Leonard Michael "Lenny" Kahelski

Leonard Michael “Lenny” Kahelski



Leonard Michael “Lenny” Kahelski, age 67, of Fond du Lac, died from complications related to Agent Orange exposure. His life on earth ended on November 2nd, 2015 when God gave the gift of His great mercy and eternal rest. Our Dad was a one in a million man who came into this world on November 17, 1947 as the fourth of six children born to the late Rufe and Dorothy Kahelski. A boy growing up in the 1950’s spoke of his childhood mischief and pranks with a smile and no regrets. He held fond memories of his treasured bicycle, swimming in the lake behind his house, sledding on homemade sleds, snowball fights and his dog Wabash. He grew up loving his mother’s cooking especially her stuffing and had great respect for his father.



In 1966 Lenny graduated from Beaver Dam High School. He enjoyed days riding his motorcycle and hot rod car back in the day he was a greaser. Two months before his 20th birthday he enlisted to serve his country in the Vietnam War and was stationed at My Tho with the 9th infantry and Army Republic of Vietnam.



In 1974 he married Patty O’Hearn. Together they had 3 children. As a family they enjoyed trips to Wisconsin Dells, Fox Lake, boating, church picnics, Silver Lake and holidays and birthdays spent together. Lenny and Patty remained married until 1993.



Dad earned a living working at Mercury Marine, owned the Polish Palace, Library Lounge and founded the Hitching Post Saloon which he owned and operated from 1984 – 2010.



Throughout his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, Army Reserve, rides through Lakeside Park, karate, his log cabin and reading. He loved Pool League, making soup, his Chocolate Labs, grandkids, and celebrating birthdays at Reopke’s. His favorite pastime was bar time with his many friends, shooting pool and having fun. Our father found happiness in quietly giving generously to friends and family in their time of need. There were so many people he helped make ends meet throughout his life. He was an unforgettable man whose greatest gift to this world was his ability to make others laugh. His one of a kind personality could turn an ordinary moment into smiles and laughter often times because he spoke his mind without filtering first. Until he spoke his last word, his humor got him through the darkest days of his life making the best of the situation without complaint.



Carrying on his legacy are his 3 children; daughter Erin (Steve) Langolf of Fond du Lac, son Scott Kahelski of Fond du Lac and daughter Shannon (Keith) Scanlan of Appleton; grandchildren Sullivan, MacKenzie and Dylan; brother, Roland Kahelski; sister Mary (Jake) Fiebig, sister Cheryl (Jeff) Westphal; brother Michael Kahelski; nieces, nephews, friends (especially Beth Schaetzel) brothers and sisters-in-law, and dog Squirrely. Preceding him in death were his parents, Rufe and Dorothy; brother, Randall; lifelong friend, Gary Bremer; mother and father-in-law, Joyce and Tom O’Hearn; and his beloved dogs, Rosco and Rufie.



Our dad would want for us to celebrate his life and if he could have it his way, he would want us to do it over a steak and lobster dinner and a round of Old Fashions.



A celebration of Lenny’s life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2015 at 12:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home in Fond du Lac. The family will greet relatives and friends beginning at 9:00 AM and continuing until the time of celebration. Immediately following the service, military honors will be presented by the American Legion, Trier-Puddy Post #75. Cremation has taken place.



The family asks anyone who wishes to express their sympathy, rather than flowers and gifts, please honor his giving spirit by helping someone you know in their time of need. We know that is what he would have wanted.



Many thanks to the staff at Harbor Haven and Rocky Knoll for the care Dad was given and to all family and friends for their support to us.



Good-bye Dad! Until we meet again, may the good Lord hold you in the hollow of His hand.



Please visit www.ueckerwitt.com to sign the guestbook, view Lenny’s tribute wall and obtain additional information.