Obituary of Leonard J. Nemecek
Age 70, of Shorewood and formerly New Lenox and Justice, Illinois, passed from this life Thursday, October 17, 2024. He was born January 22, 1954, in Chicago, where he was raised and educated, a graduate of Kennedy High School class of 1972.
Leo was a steelworker in his younger years. He later went on to build homes and take on other projects people asked of him. There really wasn’t any trade Leo couldn’t do.
He is the beloved husband of Lois (Crohan) Nemecek; loving father of Matt (Emily) Chap and Bryan (Jamie) Chap; proud grandpa of Chase.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Anne Nemecek.
Leo lit up every room he walked into and every function he was part of. One thing people will always remember about him was his sincere and infectious laugh that you would hear quite often. No matter what, you could always count on Leo to say it how it was; usually followed by that laugh everyone knew and loved. He very much enjoyed family get-togethers and kept up with his childhood friends over the years.
There was something about being out on the water that spoke to Leo. He enjoyed family vacations where they stayed on the beach in Treasure Island, Florida. The precious Chicago summers, limited to a few short months, were always a highlight for Leo. Each May, he eagerly anticipated hooking up his Bayliner to their family's Cadillac and towing it down to Monroe Harbor. There, they spent May days on Lake Michigan with family and friends making memories for all. His family can recall how attentive he was to the boat with maintaining it himself. This only echoes all aspects of his life and how he put his heart into everyone he loved and everything he did.
Although their home was a house divided, you could always count on Leo to be hanging that W flag every time his team, the Cubs, would win. He was even lucky enough to witness them clinch a World Series win during his lifetime. Even though he loved his Cubs, he enjoyed watching his son’s play baseball even more during their youth. You could count on him to be there, with their camcorder, cheering them on.
Leo left behind a legacy that will be carried on by the family he was extremely proud of.
At Leo’s request, cremation rites have been accorded.
A memorial visitation for Leo will be held Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. A service of remembrance will conclude the afternoon beginning at 4 p.m.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
