Leo M. "Butch" Florkowski Jr.

1945 - 2023

Leo M. "Butch" Florkowski, Jr.

Leo peacefully entered eternal life on April 25, 2023. Leo was born June 8, 1945 to Leo Sr. and Dorothy (Rybka) Florkowski. He was always proud of his Polish heritage. He attended St. Hedwig for Kindergarten, and then went on to attend St. Adalbert grade school. Leo was a proud graduate of Woodward High School, (class of 1963), and then went on to teach Social Studies for 37 years before he retired in 2005. Leo was a cross-country coach and class advisor. Mr. "Flo" took pride in seeing his students achieve and earning their trust. His impact extended into helping teens escape prostitution, abuse, and gangs.

Leo was a hard worker, and as a kid set pins at a bowling alley in the Lagrange Street Polish neighborhood. He put himself through college by working at AP Parts and Jeep. Leo earned his BS in Education from the University of Toledo in 1969, and his Masters in Social Studies at Eastern Michigan University.

Leo married Colleen Crippen, on Sweetest Day, October 21, 1978 at St. James Catholic Church. Leo was a devoted father who loved to play ball and spend time with his three children. He taught his kids how to help him plant and pick fruits and vegetables from his enormous garden that he grew every summer. He shared his harvest with family and friends all his life and enjoyed bartering with and learning from fellow farmers.

Leo was an avid fisherman who cleaned and fileted all his own fish. He would season them and fry them for his family to enjoy. Leo was also an expert mushroom hunter, a skill taught to him by his father. Leo also enjoyed bowling and playing cards with his friends.

The absolute joys of his life and apples of his eye were his two grandchildren, Noah and Madeline. Babysitting them from infancy was the retired grandpa's new job. He did everything for them just as he had done for his own children, singing his made-up nonsensical songs, acting as their personal chauffeur for school, soccer and play practice, and attending all their events as he beamed with pride at their accomplishments.

Leo was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Dorothy; and his sister, Jo-Ann Pawlaczyk. He is survived by Colleen, his wife of almost 45 years; daughter, Deirdre (Josh) Jones; son, Leo III; and daughter, Madonna; grandchildren, Noah and Madeline Jones; sister, Patricia (Jerry) Tuite; and many nieces and nephews.

Friends may visit on Sunday, April 30, 2023 2:00-8:00 p.m. with Rosary at 7p.m. at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo. The funeral will begin at Coyle on Monday, May 1st, at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. Please leave a condolence for the family at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

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