LeRoy Sieja Obituary
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He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Jane (Jablonski) Sieja after 56 years together and 52 years of marriage. It was an ideal marriage and they would both do it again! He is preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and all brothers and sisters. He has two sisters-in-law Dawn (SK) Matter and Pamela (Denny) Ruef. He is also survived by best friends of a lifetime; Dave (Penny) Zwalina. Although not having children of their own, he is survived by an abundance of nephews, nieces, and God children. His nephew Bart described him as "The man, the myth and the Legend" and also the greatest uncle ever.
Lee served in the Michigan National Guard for 8 years and later worked at Allen Bradley/ Rockwell for 37 years, where he first saw his wife, Jane. They later dated for 4 years and were married 52 years. They bought their first home in Cudahy, Wisconsin in 1980 and resided there for 30 years. After he retired, they moved to their Pelican Lake, Wisconsin cottage. They also wintered 10 years renting in Bonita Springs, Florida. They then decided to buy a home in Estero, Florida, when they became Florida residents and resided there for the last 9 years.
He enjoyed the great outdoors, backpacking, fishing, hunting, golf, tennis, racquetball, and of course, poker, gin, and gambling. He loved the Green Bay Packers. They also enjoyed a lifetime of vacations in Europe, Alaska, USA, including 23 cruises. He will be fondly be missed.
A "Celebration of Life" will be held in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, shortly.
To sign his guest register or to leave online condolences, please visit www.shikanyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, family owned and operated since 1978.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Garry Kregelka
March 19, 2024
Garry Kregelka
March 19, 2024
Garry Kregelka
March 19, 2024
Garry Kregelka
March 19, 2024
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Garry Kregelka
March 19, 2024
LeRoy Sieja, Henry Porras III, and I were inseparable comrades throughout our schooling in Michigan´s Upper Peninsula. Hailing from the modest confines of Wallace Elementary in Menominee County, we migrated as one to Stephenson High School. Our boyhood was a symphony of adrenaline and grit, a testament to adventure and camaraderie, filled with the pursuits of hunting, fishing, horseback riding, and the art of throwing knives. From logging to baling hay to building fences, our days were seasoned with toil amidst the farms and forests. And then came the allure of automobiles and the mysteries of the fairer sex.
Many an evening found me at the Sieja household in Wallace, where his mother wielded culinary magic, conjuring delectable meals such as my cherished Polish Pierogi. It was there that LeRoy imparted upon me the art of knife throwing, a skill learned from his elder brother Joe, a figure shrouded in myth and legend, a man of daring exploits and unfathomable coolness.
LeRoy, or "Little Joe" as we affectionately dubbed him, embodied the essence of the spirited cowboy portrayed by Michael Landon in "Bonanza." Compact yet robust, he possessed a swiftness that defied explanation. In the throes of conflict, his fists moved like lightning, leaving adversaries bewildered in their wake. Standing at a modest 5 feet 7 inches, he possessed an agility that mirrored his fictional namesake, effortlessly mounting steeds in a manner reminiscent of the famed television character. His repertoire extended to the lively Russian Cossack dance, a spectacle that never failed to captivate.
A devotee of chance, Lee found solace in the thrill of card games and billiards, his prowess seldom failing to garner victory. Our post-graduation ambitions of venturing westward to California shimmered with promise, but fate had other plans, weaving the tapestry of our lives in unexpected patterns. Lee and Hank, in an unexpected turn, embarked on a stint in cosmetology school in Green Bay, perhaps enticed by the prospect of romantic encounters. Our paths diverged, each charting a unique course through life's tumultuous terrain.
At our twentieth reunion from Stephenson High, we convened for a two-day celebration at my home in Rapid River, Michigan, where I lived with my then wife (another classmate),Diane Vincent. Lee´s wife Jane was there, and Hank´s wife Lois, another Stephenson alum, one year behind. That was the last best time we all had together, and the memories remain. In a gesture of enduring friendship, Lee presented Hank and I with throwing knives crafted by his own hands, tangible tokens of our lasting bond. Mine, a cherished keepsake, serves as a testament to the indelible imprint of our shared adventures.
LeRoy Joseph Sieja has left an indelible mark on my life, and his absence will be keenly felt. As we bid farewell, we hold onto the hope of a reunion in the realms beyond, where we may once again share in the joy of each other's company. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory live on in our hearts forever.
Rose Synowicz
March 18, 2024
I remember Leroy being with Cathy & Bruce and having a good time at the cottage
Diane Henschke
March 16, 2024
My deepest sympathy to you, Jane and to all who loved and will miss him. May the love you shared, all your beautiful memories and the fact that he is out of pain and at peace, give you comfort.
Ted Krukowski
March 16, 2024
My condolences Jane. Hope you are doing well.
johnnie patterson
March 16, 2024
Always friendly and a beautiful smile. Rest easy.
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