Racine – Chester James Leskowicz, age 83, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center on Friday evening, August 29, 2014 with his family at his side.
A lifetime resident, Chet was born in Racine on June 16, 1931 to the late Vincent and Helen (nee: Klimaszewska) Leskowicz. He attended St. Stanislaus Grade School, graduated from Saint Bonaventure High School in 1949, and went on to attend University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Chet faithfully served our Country with the United States Air Force from 1951 – 1955 during the Korean War. On July 5, 1952 in St. Joseph Catholic Church – Racine, Chester was united in marriage with the love of his life, Helen (nee: Sherman) Leskowicz.
With a profound Catholic faith, Chet was a devoted member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he had served as trustee, Vice-President of the Holy Name Society, President (along with Helen) of the Home & School Assn., and sang in the funeral choir. He also served as Treasurer of the Milwaukee Archdiocese Holy Name Union. Chet was an extremely proud and loyal member of the Knights of Columbus Council #697 and Assembly #1207. Chet was employed as a supervisor at Wisconsin Electric Power for 32 ½ years until his retirement in 1988. In 1999, Chet went to work as a team member at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home – where he extended a helping hand to many families in their time of need. Above all, Chet was a man of great faith and was totally dedicated to his entire family.
Surviving are his loving wife of over 62 years, Helen; son, Mark (Joanne) Leskowicz; granddaughters, Emily & Katherine Leskowicz; grandsons, Matthew & Nicholas Leskowicz; sister, Pearl (Walter) Mynar; sister-in-law, Jeanne (Steve) Nyiri; nieces, nephews, Knights of Columbus family, other relatives, and many close friends – too numerous to mention all by name.
In addition to his parents, Chet was preceded in death by his beloved sons, Michael & Matthew Leskowicz; sisters, Rose (Udall) Neels and Florence (Ruehl “Les”) Neibaur.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 5:00 pm in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2201 Northwestern Avenue, with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating. Military honors and a life celebration dinner will follow. Visitation will be in Sacred Heart Church on Monday from 3:00 – 5:00 pm. Private interment will take place in Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Memorials to the Knights of Columbus Memorial Fund or to Sacred Heart Parish have been suggested.
A heartfelt note of thanks to Dr. Michael P. Mullane, Kelly M. Konesko, NP & the entire staff at Aurora Cancer Care – Racine; and to everyone at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center for their compassionate care and support given during Chet’s battle with cancer. May God bless all of you!
Mary Jo Caracciolo (Garski) says
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Chet’s passing. I have many very fond memories of him while growing up in Racine. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. God bless-
Mary Jo
Jim, Yozette and Stephanie Garski says
Although we can’t be there in person, we want to express are sincere condolences to friends and family. We are in our thought and prayers.
Jim ,Yozette and Stephanie Garski says
Although we can’t be there,we would like to express our heartfelt condolences to friends and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you