Leonard Jellema Jr.

1932 - 2022

Leonard Jellema, Jr.
Born: November 13, 1932 in Emmons Co., ND
Died: June 21, 2022 in Orland Park, IL
Leonard Jellema, Jr., died on 6/21/22 in Orland Park, IL. He was born in rural Emmons County North Dakota on November 13, 1932 and grew up in that area. He moved to the Chicago area as a young adult and lived in West Pullman, Midlothian, Manhattan, and New Lenox. He held degrees from Chicago City College, Roosevelt University, and earned a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was a prize-winning author of more than a dozen works of detective/crime fiction published in various magazines. He retired as Professor of Communications and Literature from Moraine Valley Community College in 1995. Earlier in life, he had been a journeyman bricklayer.
He leaves behind his wife Mireille, with whom he recently celebrated 71 years of marriage, five living children, three daughters-in-law, and two sons-in-law: Cynthia (Edward) Williams of Monee; Kenneth (Karen) Jellema of Blue Island; Steven (Sandy) Jellema of New Lenox; Karen Miller of Palos Hills; Scott (Anna) Jellema of Mokena, and a son-in-law James (Barbara) Burkhardt of Homer Glen. One daughter, Donna (James) Burkhardt preceded him in death (2010). He also leaves 19 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, a great-great grandchild, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Nellie Jellema of North Dakota, a brother (John "Jack" Jellema) and two Sisters (Bessie Exoo and Ruth Peterman).
He was a veteran of the Korean War, serving as Infantry Operations Chief in the 3rd Battalion of the 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, notably at the battles for Bloody Ridge and Heartbreak Ridge. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge, the Bronze Star Medal, The Korean Service Ribbon with two bronze battle stars, and the United Nations Service Medal.
He was an active member of the Green Garden United Methodist Church, serving for many years as Lay Representative to the Annual Conference, Lay Leader, Worship Leader, and adult Sunday School teacher. He was also a member of the American Federation of Teachers, The Second Infantry Division Association, and a Lifetime member of the Combat Infantryman's Association and the Roosevelt University and UIC Alumni Associations. He was voted Young Man of the Year in 1967 by the Gateway Branch of the Chicago Jaycees.¬ He wrote book reviews for the Joliet Herald News for several years.
Visitation will be held at Green Garden United Methodist Church, 26256 S. US Highway 45, Manhattan, on Friday, June 24, 2022 from 3-5:00PM with a funeral service following at 5:00PM. Interment with military honors will take place in Green Garden Greenview Cemetery immediately following the funeral service. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forysthegouldfh.com