Leon Lennemann

Leon Lennemann was an honest and hardworking man with a special commitment to his family. He was an adventurous outdoorsman who was truly at home riding the waves in his pontoon boat, or zipping around on his snowmobile. Leon was able to achieve great happiness in a life dedicated to the simple foundation of family and fun.

The first years of the 1940s marked a tumultuous decade for America, as well as for the rest of the world. In Europe, fighting erupted between Allied and Axis forces and America would soon be drawn into this conflict by the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It was into this chaotic world that Leon John Lennemann was born on June 17, 1941, in Lansing, Michigan to Leo and Mary Lennemann. He was the second youngest of six children with four sisters, Delores, Judy, Jeanne, Marietta, and one brother, Stanley. Leon enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, growing up on their farm on Jason Road. While his mother cared for their large family, his father earned a living as a mechanic. Leon was a good student in the area schools and had many friends. But when it came to his leisure time, he loved to hunt and fish, and like many teenagers, he drank his fair share of beer too.

Immediately after graduating from Everett High School in 1959, Leon enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at K.I. Sawyer AFB in the Upper Peninsula, where he served with the 56th Fighter Squadron. Upon his discharge, Leon returned home to the Lansing area and began a longtime career as a Millwright at Motor Wheel. He also became the proud father of two sons, Michael and Patrick, and later stepfather to Becky, Julie, Missy and Bobby. Leon was a strict father when necessary, but cared deeply for his family and showed it by providing faithfully.

Aside from his family, Leon loved to be outdoors whenever possible, pursuing many of his favorite pastimes, like snowmobiling and going boating on his pontoon. For many years, Leon had various cabins up north around Little John Brown Lake, Horsehead Lake and the Chippewa River. Being a jack-of-all-trades and very handy with tools, he was always building or fixing something at the cabins. Leon was quite mechanical and well-organized, so he could do just about anything he put his mind to. He also liked to get his hands dirty working in his garden and canning its bounty. Leon had many friends, who could always make him laugh, and a beloved cat named Red, who he loved dearly. Yet, he had a more serious side too, especially when it came to discussing politics – Leon had strong opinions on various topics. He was the first to give someone the shirt off his back, and never left a debt unpaid. Leon was a good man who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Leon John Lennemann of Zephyrhills, FL (formerly of St. Johns, MI) died on Friday, May 27, 2011, at the age of 69. Leon is survived by his sons, Michael and Patrick Lennemann; his step-daughters, Becky, Julie and Missy; step-son, Bobby; and grandchildren, Victoria, Jacob and Rylee Lennemann. He is also survived by his sisters, Delores Cornelius, Judy (Bernie) Goodwin, Jeanne (Clyde) Hanson, Marietta (Barry) Hanson, and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Leon was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in St. Johns, with Rev. Fr. Eoin Murphy officiating. Memorial contributions will be made to a charity of his family’s choice. Please visit Leon’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/70666, where you may share a memory, upload a picture and sign his online guest book.