Leonard W. Otwaska

Leonard W. Otwaska, age 81, passed away Thursday, November 19, 2009, at Wheaton Franciscan-All Saints Medical Center. Leonard was born in Racine, December 8, 1927, son of the late Peter J. and Anna M. (Nee: Kaplan) Otwaska.

Leonard was a graduate of Hansche Grade School and Park High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Army and proudly served his country from 1946-1948. On July 12, 1952, at St. Edward Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Dorethea B. Willison, who preceded him in death on October 28, 2004. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier for thirty-one years until his retirement in 1985. Prior to the U.S. Post Office he was employed by J.I. Case Company. Leonard was a lifelong member and usher at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church. He was a member of VFW Post 1391 and served on the Racine Veteran’s Firing Squad, and Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #437. Leonard was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball and Packers fan. Above all he treasured and dedicated his life to his family. He will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his devoted sisters, Viola Braznell, Norma Ackley-Klopfer; sister-in-law, Adeline Otwaska; brother-in-law, August Kupper; nieces and nephews, Janice (John) Wiley, Lorie (Jeff) Trick, Lynn (Jeff) Brandes, Norma Macal, Michael (Kim) Ackley, Nancy Peasley, Carol (Dan) Pansch, Peter (Becki) Otwaska, Dolly (Gerry) Hazelton, Ann Otwaska, Josef and Ernest Schlossbauer; great-nieces, nephews, many cousins, and dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brothers, Peter and Anthony Otwaska; sister, Virginia Kupper; brothers-in-law, Stephen Braznell and C.S. Ackley; sister-in-law, Donna Schlossbauer; nephews, Stephen Braznell Jr., August Kupper Jr. and Randy Ackley; and niece, Sharon Ackley.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, November 25, 2009, at St. Lucy’s Catholic Church, 3101 Drexel Ave., at 10 a.m. with Rev. Mark R. Jones officiating. Interment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Tuesday at the funeral home from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Wednesday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass. Memorials to St. Lucy’s Catholic Church or to St. Catherine’s High School have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine (262) 634-7888