Racine – Leonard Anthony Salawater, age 71, passed away at his residence, surrounded with the love of his family, on Sunday, February 19, 2017.

Proud of his Native American heritage, Leonard was born in Odanah, Wisconsin on the Bad River Indian Reservation on September 27, 1945 to the late Ben and Lucille (nee: Messenger) Salawater. He has lived in Racine for the past 45 years. After high school, Lenny attended University of Wisconsin – Parkside. He faithfully served our Country with the Army National Guard from 1963-67.

On September 10, 1971 in Ashland, Wisconsin he was united in marriage with the love of his life, Sherry Marie (nee: Dundovich). Lenny was employed as a machinist at CNH – Case for over 45 years, retiring in 2012. Catholic by faith, he served on several committees at St. Sebastian Catholic Church in Sturtevant. Among his interests, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on cars, Native American Dances and Pow Wows. Above all, he loved spending time with his family.

Surviving are his loving wife, Sherry; son, Ben (Tammany) Salawater, Sr. of Park Falls, WI; daughter, Naomi (Allan) Strasser of Racine; 6 grandchildren; 3.5 great-grandchildren; brother, Cliffton (Patti) Salawater of Milwaukee; sisters, Lenore Gordon of Odanah, WI and Claudine (Jerry) Scully of New Lisbon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, Lenny was preceded in death by his adopted brother, Marvin Tainter; and by brothers-in-law, Paulie Gordon and Anthony Ackley.

Funeral services will be held at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 – 95 ^th Street in Sturtevant, on Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 5:30 pm with Deacon Eric Sewell officiating. Visitation will be in the church on Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30 pm. Interment will be at the Odanah Cemetery on the Bad River Indian Reservation near Ashland, WI on Saturday at 3 pm.

Service Details

Service: Thursday, February 23, 2017 in St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 3126 95th Street in Sturtevant, at 5:30 pm

Visitation: in the church on Thursday from 3:30 – 5:30 pm

Burial: Odanah Cemetery near Ashland, WI on Saturday, February 25th at 3:00 pm

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