Leonard Joseph Prekel

Leonard (Len) Joseph Prekel, age 95, of Birmingham, MI passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Lourdes' Angela Hospice in Waterford, Michigan.

Len is survived by his loving wife Moira Prekel, daughters Susan Prekel of Berkley, Michigan and Catherine Handley (Dustin) of Jackson, Wyoming, grandchildren Taylor and Bryce Handley, and his sister, Joan Folden. Len was predeceased by his parents Veronica and Joseph Prekel, and his sisters Emily Prekel and Rita Nixon.

A man of great integrity, endless wit, and unmatched commitment to family and work, he will be greatly missed by his wife and family.

He was born on June 18th, 1930, in Detroit, MI to Veronica and Joseph Prekel. He graduated from the University of Detroit Jesuit High School in 1948 and went on to earn a degree in accounting in 1952 from the University of Detroit, followed by a law degree (JD) from the University of Michigan Law School in 1955, and a Master of Laws in Taxation (LLM) from the NYU School of Law in 1957.

After school, he returned to the Detroit area where he met his wife, Moira, at a party on a Sunday afternoon. Married for 56 years, she was his best friend. For their 50th anniversary, they traveled with their family to renew their vows in their favorite city, Rome.

A practicing attorney for 65 years, he enjoyed his work in estate planning and tax law tremendously. He was a trusted advisor and good friend to many of his clients and generously shared his expertise in legal matters with friends and family. He was a member of the Michigan Bar Association and the Federalist Society, a group dedicated to the preservation of freedom and legal order.

He also believed in the value of education. In addition to supporting his alma maters, he was a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and regularly attended their conferences to maintain his knowledge of the law until he retired at 92.

He valued his faith and was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church for over 50 years.

Len was also an excellent athlete. He was a runner, avid tennis player, and enjoyed playing handball at his beloved Detroit Athletic Club. He also felt at home outside in nature. An accomplished sailor, he raced competitively for years. He was also a dedicated skier for 40 years, an activity he most enjoyed sharing with his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Birmingham, MI. Prior to the mass, visitation will start at 9:30 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, 1820 Mt. Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207, or online at cskdetroit.org.