Leonard Ochylski Obituary

Leonard, 75, passed away unexpectedly on August 22, 2024. Leonard was predeceased by his loving wife of 49 years, Celeste. Leonard is survived by his children Robert Ochylski and Tanya Fortman, grandchildren, Porter and Hudson Ochylski, and Harper and Evie Fortman, sister Diane Hennigan, and numerous nieces and nephews. Leonard, the son of Leokadia and Edward R Ochylski Sr. was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Fraser, MI. Leonard was the youngest of 17 siblings. Leonard enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and served in the Vietnam War. Upon returning he moved to Chicago and worked closely with his brother, Edward Ochylski Jr., for over 40 years with the Illinois Meat Packing and Iowa Meat Packing companies. Leonard was known for his unmatched work ethic…and… “telling it exactly like it was”… but more importantly…his unyielding generosity, his caring heart and kind demeanor.

Leonard met Celeste at a Polish festival in Chicago and they quickly fell in love even though Celeste spoke limited English (mostly Polish at the time) & well…Leonard didn’t care what Celeste spoke because they were “true soulmates”…They were married on July 6, 1974. Leonard moved the family to Pleasant Hill, IA in 1978 and has resided there since. Leonard loved anything outdoors… boating, deer hunting in Northern MI, fishing, camping, watching football on the weekends with Celeste, spending time with his grandchildren, yard work (waking up the neighbors on weekends mowing the lawn at 6 am), ice cream, and traveling with his loved ones.

*Visitation will be held on Friday, August 30th 5pm-7pm, Rosary recited at 6:30pm…at Iles Grandview Park Chapel, 3211 Hubbell Ave, Des Moines, IA 50317.

*Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Saturday, August 31st 10am…at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 3300 Easton Blvd, Des Moines, IA 50317.

*Luncheon will follow the Mass from 12pm-2pm…at Copper Creek Golf Course-Club, 4825 Copper Creek Dr, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327.

*Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 3rd 9:30am…at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, 34024 Veterans Memorial Dr., Adel, IA 50003.

*Hotels to stay at…1) Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown…#(855) 605-0319…101 East Locust St., Des Moines, IA 50309…2) Hampton Inn & Suites Des Moines Downtown…#(855) 605-0317…120 SW Water St., Des Moines, IA 50309…3) Des Moines Marriott Downtown…#(844) 631-0595…700 Grand Ave., Des Moines, IA 50309

*In lieu of flowers…memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society.

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