Chief Master Sergeant Leonard Lawrence "Len" Lesjak, of Bradenton, took his last journey home to Our Heavenly Father on April 14, 2023, at the age of 92. He died peacefully with his beloved wife and his loving caregivers by his side.
For the past year of facing numerous health challenges, he constantly thanked everyone for the care they gave him and continuously prayed for those less fortunate and who were suffering. Len was born July 16, 1930, in LaSalle, IL. He lived most of his life in Chicago, IL. He enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1951. After receiving aircraft maintenance technical training, he served as an aircraft crew chief in South Korea and Japan. Upon his return to the United States, Len was assigned to the Strategic Air Command and continued on with his aircraft maintenance duties for his four-year enlistment and left active duty in 1955 with the rank of Sergeant. In August 1955, he enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard and served in the Guard and as a federal civil service full-time employee until his retirement in 1989, with a total of over 38 years. During this period, which included many changes to both missions and types of assigned aircraft, the chief was promoted from the rank of Sergeant, E-4, thru Chief Master Sergeant, E-9. He also progressed in his career field from an aircraft mechanic to an aircraft maintenance superintendent. He performed various maintenance duties on a multitude of aircraft including C-45, C-46, C-47, C-97, T-6, T-33, F-51, F-84, F-86, F-94, B-26, B-47, KC 97, and lastly the KC-135.
After his distinguished maintenance career, he was chosen by the Wing Commander to be his Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 126th ARW. The Chief was a mentor to so many young airmen who joined his unit. He promoted professional military education encouraging young members to do more than just their job. He graduated from the Air National Guard Non-Commissioned Academy (NCO) and the United States Air Force Senior NCO Academy, both in-residence. Chief Lesjak was highly decorated and received numerous civilian awards and commendations for his excellent performance. He served in numerous positions of responsibility, leadership and management with the Air Force Association, National Guard Association of Illinois, Air Force Sergeants Association and the Noncommissioned Officers Academy Graduates Association.
He is married to the former Kathleen Day Kovacs who was also from Chicago, IL, and is also a United States Air Force retiree. Len helped design 3 of the houses they built, all of which had to be completed to his standards. Len was actively involved in numerous activities. He was an outstanding chef, gardener, woodworker, and craftsman and in his later years, became a jigsaw puzzle expert. He loved animals and was an avid sun worshipper and cruise enthusiast. Neighbors could always find Len in his garage where they could borrow a tool or get advice on how to do something they didn’t know how to do! Len lived life to the fullest. He always saw the best in everyone and was generous with his time and talents to his family and his friends. He was a master husband, brother, uncle and friend and will be greatly missed.
He is predeceased by his brother, Donald Lesjak. Len is survived by his wife, Kathleen D.Lesjak; sister, Marlene (Sidney) Gomon; brother-in-law, Lawrence (Paula) Kovacs; nephews, Steve (LeeAnn) Gomon, Kyle (Susanna) Gomon, Larry Lesjak and Jason (Bekah) Kovacs, nieces, Laura (Paul) Piotrowski and Jody Kathleen (Michael) Gosnell; and 14 great-nieces and great-nephews.
Memorial Mass will be 9:30 AM, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Saints Peter & Paul the Apostles Catholic Church, 2850 75th St. W. Bradenton, FL 34209. Inurnment will be 1 PM, Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Condolences may be made to www.brownandsonsfuneral.com.
