Leonard Phillip Deutsch, age 75 of Rochelle, IL went to eternal glory surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at Rochelle Rehab ... Health Care Center.
He joined the Iowa National Guard Red Bull Division, took his basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO. He attended Parsons College and worked at Harper Brush Works in Fairfield, IA. He worked in the insurance industry from 1962 till 2006.
His interests included acting and playing basketball and baseball. He was a Little League coach, an avid bowler, card player and gardener. His favorite sports teams were the Iowa Hawkeyes, Pittsburgh Pirates and Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed reading western fiction and all sorts of military history.
He helped start the RTHS Speech Support Group, the Alzheimer's Support Group and the Diabetic Support Group. Later he helped to get ADA accreditation for the Diabetic Support Group. He volunteered at the grade schools, foster parented for Focus House, and delivered for Meals on Wheels.
Leonard was an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. He was a sacristan and altar server for Charasmatic Masses, a Lector Commentator, attended Christ Renews His Parish, Tres Dias, and member of Finance Committees. He enjoyed serving at the Fall Bazaar, Mothers' Brunch, St. Joseph Table, and Lenten fish fries. He delivered the Body of Christ to the home bound, drove friends to Mass or appointments, and was an RCIA sponsor. He believed and lived his life in the real presence of Jesus Christ at each Mass. He was very ecumenical and reached out to many traditions.
He was born on January 26, 1941 in East Pleasant Plain, Iowa, to Isadore M. Deutsch Jr. and Modesta M. Shelangoski Deutsch.
Leonard married his true love, Marlene Ann Veronica Beltramea, at the Catholic Church of St. Mary in Fairfield, Iowa on June 15, 1963.
Dear friends and family who are waiting for Leonard: his grandparents, parents, godson, cousins, aunts, uncles children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his beloved wife, precious children and grandchildren: Matthew Phillip Deutsch of Forest Park, Douglas Anthony Deutsch and his wife, Anne Therese Archibald of Naperville and their children: Jessica Michelle, Joshua Douglas Jude, Joel Matthew, Therese Marie, Douglas Anthony Jr. and Grace Anne; Mary Lynette (Deutsch) Moore and her husband, John Bryan Moore of Naperville; and sister, Marie D. (Paul) Slowiak of Rochelle.
He taught his children and grandchildren to be honest, hard workers. He was a beloved son, brother, nephew, cousin, husband, father, Grampy, true friend, and loyal fan.
He fought to celebrate life and love through many challenges. He was one of the first to wear an insulin pump to control his diabetes. He had a kidney transplant in 1997.
Visitation at Unger-Horner Funeral Home, 400 N. 6th St., Rochelle, IL on Friday, February 26, 2016, 4:00 - 8:00 P.M., Rosary at 4 pm. Viewing 9:30 - 10:30 A.M., Saturday, February 27 prior to Funeral Mass at 10:30 A.M. at Catholic Church of St. Patrick, 236 Kelley Dr., Rochelle, IL.
Interment will be at the St. Patrick Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at St. Patrick Parish Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Rochelle First Responders Fire Dept. would be appreciated.
The family would like to thank all of their friends, neighbors and caregivers for all of their support.
Visit www.ungerhorner.com to sign the online guest book.
Source: Unger Funeral Home Obit
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