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Leonard Kulasa Obituary
Jan 1, 1945 - Sep 17, 2024
GRIFFITH, IN - Leonard "Lenny" Kulasa, age 79, of Griffith passed away on September 17, 2024. He was born on January 1, 1945 to the late John and Helen (nee Jasiak) Kulasa. As a native of East Chicago, Lenny attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated Roosevelt High School Class of 1963. He also attended Purdue University. Lenny remained a lifelong parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church.
Lenny proudly served in U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968, including 2 tours in Vietnam with the 244th Aviation Company as an airborne sensor specialist. Prior to serving in the Army, he worked for Inland Steel and rejoined the company after returning home. He retired from Inland Steel in 1990 after 25 years of service.
Lenny gave tirelessly to many veteran organizations. He was the Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8141 (Calumet City, IL) and served as past Commander at both the VFW and American Legion Post 369 (East Chicago). He was also a member of the Calumet City Cavalier Club. In 2023, he was selected to fly on Honor Flight Chicago, a 1-day trip to Washington D.C. to honor and thank veterans from WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. Lenny deeply cherished this opportunity to visit many of the war memorials, connect with other veterans and receive a long overdue hero's welcome.
Lenny was a passionate model train collector and was a proud member of the Hi-Rail Modular Train Club in Griffith. He was also a volunteer at the Polish Heritage Festivals in Michigan City.
He is survived by his sisters: Isabelle (late Joseph) Kaptur, Janet (late Robert) Huke and Theresa (late Lester) Child, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A gathering will be at 9am prior to the Mass at the Church.
Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 10am from St. Stanislaus Church. Located on the corners of 150th and Magoun Ave. East Chicago, with Father Pat Gaza officiating.
A memorial Luncheon will follow Mass at VFW Post 6141, 664 Hisch Ave. Calumet City, IL.
Services provided by Acevez Funeral Home, Hammond/East Chicago.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Leonard Kulasa
Sponsored by The Times.
6 Entries
Diane Kitchell
September 28, 2024
Our deepest condolences to Lennys sisters and families. Lenny was one of a kind and led an honorable life serving. our country. He was so interesting to talk to and had such passion for his interests. He will be missed. May he rest in everlasting peace. Diane and John Kitchell
Gerald White
September 27, 2024
To Lenny's family: our deepest sympathies on Lenny's passing.
Lenny was a good man, who was willing to do anything to help anyone.
Lenny was a dedicated Legionnaire who gave so much of himself to Allied Post 369 and the area veterans.
It was our pleasure to know Lenny and he will be missed.
Gerald & Claudia White
Pat Gorman
September 27, 2024
Lenny was a kind and generous friend and veteran war hero. Lenny was good friends with my dad, Bob Gorman and Zach. They would hang out at the American Legion Post 369 back when we all lived in E.C. Lenny was a good man who will be missed.
June J Wyant
September 27, 2024
Lenny was a dear friend to my late husband Dale and he was a groomsman in our wedding.
Rest in the peace of our Lord dear friend.
June Wyant
Kristin
September 26, 2024
I enjoyed seeing Lenny every month. He always had little stories about the model trains or his stories from when he was in the army. My favorite was when he brought in his photo album and shared his experience on the Honor Flight for veterans last year. His happiness and excitement that he was able to participate and go to DC....I loved it. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family.
Diane jannotta
September 26, 2024
Lenny was a great friend. my husband and lenny would go to Wheaton train swaps together. he will be missed. may his soul rest in peace.
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