Leonard Harold Michaels, 82, of Lemont, and formerly of St. Charles, Warrenville and Sterling, IL passed away December 10, 2021 at Edward Hospital in Naperville.
He was born on October 2, 1939 in Chicago, the son of Leonard and Harriett (Rosinski) Michaels. He was united in marriage to Joyce Michaels on March 28, 1987 in West Chicago, IL.
After graduating from Purdue University, where he was a member of the marching band. He later went on to obtain his MBA at the University of Chicago. He worked for Molex as an electrical engineer before founding the company Industrial Interfaces. He later partnered with wife Joyce to start Signs of the Fox in St. Charles and Geneva.
Len was actively involved in the communities that he lived in. He was part of the Kiwanis club, wrote for the Sauk Valley newspaper as well as taught Creative Writing at Sauk Valley Community College. He had a passion for serving others, as sponsor for friends of Bill W. for over 40 years.
He is survived by his two sons; Dwayne “Dewey” (Rhonda) Michaels and Danny Michaels, eight step-children Ron (Laura) Coleman, Mike (Suzanne) Coleman, John Coleman, Mark (Bobbi) Coleman, Carolyn (Wendell) Hall, Michael (Theresa) Grenon, Denise Wojcik, and Amy (Chris) Berry; sisters Mary Ann Michaels, Arlene (Ted) Salamendra and Susie Gron.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife Joyce.
Memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10 am until time of Celebration of Life Service 11am at Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Home, 516 S. Washingtopn St., Naperville.
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My Sincere condolences to all family. I’m very happy that Leonard was in my life the last 5 years, he was an amazing person and friend. He was a great mentor and inspired me how to live the right way. I was there the last day and we said our good bye’s. I really loved him and he loved me. So he is resting in true Heavenly peace now and I’ll never forget my true one friend. Thank you God for sharing this true friend to so many.
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For Len’s family and many, many friends: Bob and I join with you in mourning his loss and celebrating his life. We met many years ago when I cajoled him into writing for the Sauk Valley Sun, a monthly community newspaper in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls. My husband and I were the publishers of the newspaper. He was a very good writer both of his column and assignments…many having urgent deadlines. We could always depend on Len to handle any assignment with deft professionalism. Len loved life. He could express tender emotions in person or in his writing as few are able to do. He was also one of the most generous men I’ve ever known.. He was always supportive and encouraging. He was also appreciative of all that he received. I loved Len. I believe he loved me and my husband. I will miss Len. I know he is in heaven. I hope to see him there.
Rest In Peace Len. You were a great friend and mentor. I cherish the time we had together. We were unlikely roommates I guess you could say. The modern day odd couple. I’ll always remember you as someone who didn’t take life too seriously and was always willing to listen with a loving heart. You have my permission to use my many awful jokes in Heaven. Job well done. Until we meet again…Rest easy pal!
My sincere condolences to Len’s family. I’m grateful to have met Len on the path of life. He was a wonderful and caring person. Always keeping things lite with a joke. I will miss him. Rest in peace.