Leonard Ronald Chmill, Elkhorn, WI  (1940 - 2009)

September 3, 1940 - October 22, 2009
Leonard Ronald Chmill, 69, of Grand Island, FL, and Elkhorn, WI, ended a battle with lung cancer surrounded by his family Thursday, Oct, 22, 2009. Len was born in Chicago, IL, on Sept. 3, 1940, a son of Leonard Thomas and Mildred (Krutz) Chmill. He graduated with the class of 1958 from Leyden High School in Franklin Park, IL. He was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Magnusson on Oct. 19, 1962. They lived in the suburbs of Chicago until 1978, when they, then, moved to and lived in Elkhorn, WI, until 2003, when they moved to Florida. Len worked for over 15 years with Holian Insulation of Spring Grove, IL, as a pipe coverer until his retirement in June of 2000. He was a member of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Asbestos Workers – Local 17 for over 40 years. He also enjoyed the restaurant business, and with his wife, Ruth, they ran several restaurants including Lenny C’s, Three Lakes Inn, Luebke’s and Yakes Custard Stand. Len could spin a good tale and was able to strike up a conversation with almost anyone. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and made any such trip memorable for those who accompanied him. His friendship, willingness to help a person in need, and good humor will be missed along with the good soups, lunches and pizzas he made – especially so for those living in the retirement community of Grand Island Resort.
He will be greatly missed by his wife, Ruth; his four children: Debby Baker of Melrose Park, IL, Linda (Rocky) Fortino of Las Vegas, NV, Ron (Tricia) Chmill of Delafield, WI, and Wendy (David) Kurth of Elkhorn; his mother, Mildred Chmill of Carol Stream, IL; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Jim (Dolores) Chmill of Bartlett, IL; several nieces and nephews, along with all his good friends at Grand Island Resort in Florida. Len was preceded in death by his father; one sister, Patricia Fitzgerald; and his niece, Gina Vilumis.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2009, at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH Elkhorn, WI, with Father Jim Jaeger officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 until 8 p.m. at HAASE-DERRICK-LOCKWOOD FUNERAL HOME, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn. Memorials may be made in Len’s name to Rainbow Hospice, 147 W. Rockwell St., Jefferson, WI 53549. For online obituary and guest registry www.hdlfuneralhomes.com.