Leonard C. Ernatt

Leonard Casimir Ernatt passed away peacefully on January 29, 2023 at the age of 98. Son of John Ernat and Rose Christoff. (Ernat – one "t" was the original spelling until his older brother, Ed, who had an orchestra thought the double "t" looked better on the bandstands. Some members of the family have kept the one "t".) Beloved husband to Lydia (Kozlowski). Loving father to Bruce, Kathleen and Mark. Dear grandfather of Shelley, Jenny, Becky, Abbey and Jacob. Great grandfather to Blake, Kayla, Sierra, Nathaniel, Madelyn, Annlyn and Olivia.
Leonard was born on October 11, 1924, in Hamtramck, Michigan. The family is of Polish descent and lived on Lehman Street. He is one of eleven siblings (Helen, Irene, Edward, Eleanor, George, Leonard (dad), Raymond, Rita, Delphine, Gerald and Kenneth) who attended Saint Florian's Catholic School. He was the middle child. There were five girls and six boys. Leonard dropped out of school after the tenth grade to help care for the family. He is survived by his brother Gerald (Jerry).
Leonard worked at many places including Detroit Bevel Gear, Detroit Aluminum and Brass. He also played ball for Detroit Aluminum and Brass. During the war he worked for Lockheed Aircraft, and continued to send money home to help his family. His family needed him home, so he returned to Michigan and got a job at Kroger, where he met his wife Lydia. He was set up by his sisters. Leonard was a manager in training. They were married on Flag Day, June 14, 1947. They lived in the house that they built with family help. They celebrated 75 years of marriage last June. The two of them had three children: Bruce Ernatt, Kathleen (John Turner) and Mark (Jeanne) Ernatt. He was very proud of them for completing college. Leonard was always giving; he worked two jobs to make sure his children got their degrees.
Leonard left Kroger and worked for the United States Post Office. He was a clerk. He retired after 33 years. When not working he liked to watch sports. Football, baseball and hockey were his favorites. He also loved to read his newspaper, do crosswords, and word searches. Leonard would take 2 weeks vacation every year. He used one to do home improvements, and the other for camping.
Kathy remembers loving when dad would meticulously cut out her paper dolls. Family time meant so much to Leonard. He truly enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Lydia and Leonard went to many church festivals to enjoy the music and beer tent, especially a good Polka song! Leonard was an avid stamp collector. He also gave blood often, and was very proud of this. The Red Cross would often call him and ask him to please come donate.
Leonard enjoyed camping especially along Lake Michigan. One trip that was not along the lake was to California and back. Their son Bruce took them on the journey which included many National Parks, family visits, and two flats tires on the camper. It was decided to never drive out west again, but they did take the train, once again with Bruce. While there were no flat tires the train did hit a tomato truck that had stalled on the tracks. There were no injuries but lots of juice. He also just loved to sit on his front porch enjoying his yard, listening to ballgames on the radio, and just enjoying the neighbors.
Private family services will be held.