Louis J. Leja, 89, of Walkerton, IN, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2019.
He was born Sept. 4, 1930, in Blue Island, IL, to the late John Albert and Anastasia Szafraniec.
Louis retired in 1990 from Universal Packaging in the Graphic Arts Department after 38 years of service. He served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was a member of American Legion Post 400 Fish Lake for 40 years, where he was a Service Officer; DAV Disabled American Veterans; past president of Fish Lake Conservation Club; Honorary Life Member of the Graphic Communication International Union; the Forty and Eight Veterans Organization Voiture 276; the American Legionnaires; and St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Fish Lake, IN.
On July 31, 1954, Louis married Patricia Rabidoux, who preceded him in death on Aug. 19, 2015.
Louis is survived by his children, David (Diana) Leja of Addison, IL, Mike (Judy) Leja of Chesterton, IN, Tom (Brenda) Leja of Fish Lake; daughter-in-law, Sharon Leja of New Lenox, IL; son-in-law, George Hunt of Michigan; grandchildren, David Leja, Jessica Leja, Danny Leja, Angie (Zack) Pentek, Eddie Hunt, Ashley (Jimmy) Korthals, Samantha Leja, Jillian Leja, Savannah (Cody) Barnett, and Cassidy Leja; great-grandchildren, Brayden, Briella, Troy, Bryson and Macy; and sisters, Sophie (Richard) Maier of Wisconsin and Helen Tisol of Tinley Park, IL.
He was preceded in death by his wife; a daughter, Katherine Hunt, and a son, Louis Leja; his parents; a sister, Celia Clark; and a brother-in-law, James Tisol.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, La Porte, IN. A funeral service will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, at the funeral home, where family and friends may visit from 9 to 10 a.m. Reverend Michael Heimer will officiate. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. (All times are CST.) A luncheon will follow the burial at American Legion Post 400, Fish Lake.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 7732 E. Ind. 4, Walkerton, IN 46574; or American Heart Association, Midwest Affiliate, Dept. 77-3968, Chicago, IL 60678-3968.
Messages of condolence may be posted below on WNLP as well as at www.esslingfuneralhome.com.