Wisconsin
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Daniel TwoDogs Gaetz
May 12, 2023
Lenny gave me my first job. Often think of him. He was a good man.
Gary Strnad
April 5, 2023
MR. Zuba was a true gentlemen, and I think often!
Gary Strnad
April 5, 2020
Some of my fondest memories of Milwaukee was eating Lunch @ "Gordons" and conversing with Lenny, Pat, and Rich!
Gary Strnad
USSS Retired 1991
Kevin Cartier
April 17, 2013
Very sorry to hear of Mr. Zuba's death. The Zuba family is among the truly great "clans" of Wauwatosa. Mr. Zuba will long be remembered by everyone who was lucky enough to know him. Peace.
Kathleen Cereceres
April 16, 2013
Gordon's had the best food ever! When I was a little girl my mother would take me to Gordon's to eat; it was like our little get away from the rest my siblings - 8 total. I remember eating the rice pudding it was wonderful! When I'm in the old neighborhood I always pass by and try to imagine Gordon's and how it was. The picture of Mr. Zuba is exactly how I remember him! If we could only visit the past! My mom is gone now too; maybe he will cook up some good grub for her in Gordon's Heaven.
Kathy & Mother Angie
Mick Bentrup
April 16, 2013
My deepest sympathies to the Zuba family. I grew up in the neighborhood and attended St. Casmir's School and one of the great treats in life was going to Gordon's to eat. After high school I was lucky enough to get a job at UPS and my route included Gordon's restaurant so I got to eat there 2 or 3 times a week.The food was fantasic but the constant show that Lenny put on was even more of a treat. I'd like to share a few of the Lenny humor lines that always made me laugh: like when a customer would first sit down at the counter and ask Lenny what would you suggest and Lenny would reply I'd suggest you eat somewhere else,or when leaving a customer would shout out a thanks and Lenny would say just leave your thanks under the plate,or when I'd order a doughnut he would yell over to Rick and say dust off one of the doughnut and give it to the sucker...I mean Mick at the end of the counter. As we all know it was almost impossible to out wit Lenny because he was as sharp as they come.
I still find myself to this day telling people of this gem of a restaurant and some of the banter that was all Lenny. Lenny thanks for the laughs.
Peggy Bentrup
April 16, 2013
Thanks Lenny for having the restaurant in our neigborhood. Always ordered the super burger on a hard roll and loved the salmon patties with egg sauce never had anything better. My thoughts and prayers for your family.
Peter Kaminsky
April 15, 2013
My heart felt sympathy to Marcy, Jerry, Jeff, Joe and John. My mother, Jane Kaminsky, informed me of Lenny's passing this evening. I have very fond memories of playing "kick the can" and softball in the alley behind our houses on 25th and Burleigh. Lenny was a very special man,father and husband. Peace be with you.
David & Suzanne Scasny
April 14, 2013
My sister and I worked for Lenny at Gordon's in 1968. He was our first boss. He always treated us with respect and made us laugh. We will always have good memories of him.
Daniel and Smokey Crownover/Kirton
April 14, 2013
I was saddened to hear and then read of Lenny's transition. I found more about his earlier years reading the Journal Sentinel. My husband, Daniel and I were frequent patrons of Gordon's and thought of Lenny as our personal chef when we lived right next door for several years. What a treat to get up and know fresh squeezed orange juice was waiting as well as breakfast. We ate their frequently and knew the daily specials for each day. I remember Gertie and the wonderful, wonderful ladies (Gertie,Phyliss and the third sister) and their husbands who lived up above the restaurant. Gertie would come down late in the day to do the silverware. They were so kind to us and I thought they were so refined. Gordon's was our "home" for many years. My husband now makes the pork tenderloins with the tomato sauce as well as the Eat More casserole and that's our trip back to the good old days. How saddened we were when the decision was made to close the restaurant, the end of an era. Lenny could sound loud at times but he had a heart of gold. We have one of the tables from Gordon's and will always keep it. I ate the soup but not the czarnina. I moved to Milwuakee from SC so this was such a cultural experience for me. I loved it. We moved from MIlwaukee in 1999.
May the memories you hold so close to your heart console you. May knowing Lenny's life impacted so many people's lives positively (and not just the food) bring you comfort as well. We can celebrate his life, his love, th blessings of their days, the happiness they gave to us in countless special ways.
Perhaps they are not the stars,
But rather openings in
Heaven where the love of our
Lost ones pours through and
Shines down upon us to let us
Know they are happy.
Eskimo Legend
Our thoughts are with you and your family. May god bless.
Ann Zuba Jolly
April 14, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Aunt Marcie and the boys and their families. Uncle Lenny leaves many fond and happy memories for me and my family.
Love to All
April 13, 2013
I enjoyed the story so much of Lenny's life running the Riverwest cafe. My condolences to John Zuba, his mother Marcy, and the rest of the Zuba family.
Elizabeth Ritter, CPA
Tax Link LLC
Allan Morris
April 13, 2013
I grew up 2 blocks south of Gordon's in the 800 block of East Wright Street and attended Riverside High School. During lunch we would often come back across the bridge to eat lunch at Gordon's. I am 62 and to this day those are still the best burgers I've ever had.
Lenny and Gordon's made the neighborhood a little nicer place to live.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Zuba family.
Candida Mestayer
April 13, 2013
Deepest sympathy from one of those hippies who always enjoyed Lenny's humor and soup. As we aged, we took our children along as a special treat. Well done Lenny, well done. Thank you!
April 12, 2013
Our sincere sympathy to Marcie & sons and the entire family for your loss. You were great neighbors in Tosa and a truly wonderful family. May fond memories of your extraordinary husband/father bring comfort to you all during this difficult time. God bless you all, and we will keep you in our prayers.
Marjorie Stahl and Family
Paul Boyle
April 12, 2013
Many Boyle boys' childhood memories have the Zuba boys involved. As a student at UWM traveling from Tosa to campus, I would plan my day to have time to stop in at Gordons for a meal. It was just awesome watching Mr. Zuba working the crowd. What positive energy. A great, great memory. It was easy to see how each boy was a chip off the old block. A shout out to offer my family's thoughts and prayers to the Zuba family as they celebrate the life of a true legend.
Pattie Collins-Krymkowski
April 12, 2013
It's been a long time, and was part of my childhood going to Auntie Pearls house every Saturday with my dad (Ben) to shave grandpa Krymkowski, and stopping at the restaurant .
My deepest sympathy goes out to Marcy and her sons. Your cousin.. PAttie
Joe Porubcan
April 12, 2013
Years ago I was shopping and heard a voice from the past- Lenny! I recognized the voice right away and said hello. More years ago (in the 80s), when the Crazy Shepherd office was on Wright Street, we all spent a good deal of time at Gordon's. Most original Shepherders have long ago moved on. They and Lenny will always have a place in my heart. Yes, growing old DOES take a long time. Luckily, I am on that road. I'm certain Lenny's family will miss him terribly. It may be hard to see now, but you are very lucky for that.
mark scheftner
April 12, 2013
Deepest condolences to the Zuba Family. Been friends with John and Suzanne for many years and know what a strong positive influence Lenny had on the whole family.
Bill Clark
April 12, 2013
I never needed a menu.Soup and kielbasa for me every time.God bless you Lenny.
Doug Lueck
April 12, 2013
Sincere condolences to Marcie, the boys and rest of the extended family (and Rich).
Heidi, Heather, Neil and I ate many meals at that magical place known as Gordon's Coffee Shop. I sometimes tried to out-wisecrack His Honor, the mayor of East Center Street. To no avail!
He was a great guy who always had a twinkle in his eye.
Doug Lueck
Still in Riverwest and missing that original local color
Gary Strnad
April 11, 2013
My prayers and thoughts are with Lenny's
family and friends.
I often ate at what I called: "Gor-DONS, A French restaurant, on the East Side". Many fond memories.
"Sarge"
Glen & Sue Klinger
April 11, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Tom Heinen
April 11, 2013
My deepest condolences to Mrs.Zuba and the Zuba boys. I loved hanging out at your house as a kid. Great memories of bball in the driveway and "toasted" cheese sandwiches! An awesome family, led by a wonderful Dad. You are all in my prayers.
Mary Carey
April 11, 2013
Enjoyed good food and good fun at Gordon's with my Mom, Millie Puza. Lenny was a great guy and will be missed.
Wally Pokrzywa
April 11, 2013
Lenny you will always be remembered. As a fellow bowler, your tax man and most important as a friend your a great man with a great family. I will miss your humor. See you in heaven!
April 11, 2013
I ate at Gordon's many times with my Mom...Millie Puza and loved Lenny's sense of humor! He could have shot me when I asked "what kind of pies to you have" and after he rattled them all off, I just said I'll have a sundae.
Bob & Nick Cavallo
April 11, 2013
Gone but NEVER Forgotten. Thank You Lenny for being you. I now share a part of Lenny Just by knowing him. What a GREAT Man, and Husband and Father he was and always will be....because of his 4 boys, their wives and the grandchildren. My sorrow, sympathy and Strength go out to Marcie, the boys, their families, and relatives and many many friends. It takes a long tome to grow old friends. Keep on cooking Lenny.
louise ann wisinski
April 11, 2013
You're a part of my childhood. My dad, Ed Wisinski used to take me to your restaurant on a weekly basis. My sympathies to your family; RIP
Tom Casanova
April 11, 2013
My sympathies to the Zuba family. I am sorry for your loss.
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