Leonard Louis Kolassa, 74, passed away November 21, 2021.
Len (aka Peachy) was born on May 26th, 1947 in Sturgis, MI to Laddie Kolassa and Christine (Hudson) Kolassa. His parents were dairy farmers and Len often told stories of growing up on the farm, milking cows, and being up to no good. He complained that he had things difficult on the farm, being the only son, but his sisters and Mom disputed over the years that he was really the “golden child”.
Len graduated from Bronson HS in 1965 and joined the USAF. He was stationed in Las Vegas and worked as an inventory management specialist for aircraft parts. In August of 1968 he met his bride to be Judy, at his cousins wedding in MI. The two got engaged in front of the fountains at Caesars Palace in December of 1968 after a quick, long distance relationship.
Len & Judy were married in September of 1970, shortly after he was discharged from the AF. They bought a home in Garden City, MI where they resided for 45 years and raised three kids.
Len worked at Busen’s Appliance family business in Lincoln Park MI, as an appliance repair man. He went on to buy Nankin Appliance in Westland, MI in 1986, until he closed for retirement in 2013. He referred to himself as “Ol’ Lonely” to the likes of “The Maytag Man”.
Len was known as someone who loved to talk, joke, tell stories of farm, Vegas, and appliance repair life. He had quirky sayings that we can only imagine he picked up from farm life (“he/she’s as useless as a screen door on submarine”, amongst others not suitable for publishing). He was a driven, hard worker, that could fix anything and bought the “right” tool for any job. He ran a tight ship at home; loved a clean car, hated finger prints on windows and had to be organized. He liked to deer hunt and prairie dog hunt.
As dementia set in, most would remember that Len’s love to talk, and be in good company, became more and more prominent. He may have called you a “Queen” or “Honey Bunny” and it was his way to continue that joking spirit.
In the early hours of Sunday, November 21st, we believe Len needed to make his way to get ready for 8:00am mass to be in the presence of the Lord himself, and he passed with Judy and daughter Jenny, by his side.
In every prayer Len lead, he ended with his favorite saying, and in fitting tribute, we thought best to do the same, “the only thing that matters in this world are Faith, Family & Friends”.
Len is survived by his wife of 51 years, Judy. His sister Janet (Jerry). His son Nick (Stacy), daughters Jenny, & Wendy (Chris). And 4 grandkids; Kyle, Alex, Wyatt & Ally. He will be missed by many extended family and a great network of friends.
Len is proceeded in death by his parents Laddie & Christine and sister Mary (Marvin).
A private funeral mass and burial will held for his wife, sister and kids. The family will host a celebration of life in 2022, where any and all will be welcome to come and share their memories of Len. Details to be shared at a later date.
If you would like to honor Len at this time, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) or the Disabled American Veterans (dav.org).
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