CPO/EOC
Leonard J. Kempisty, age 86, of Oscoda, passed away on Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 under the loving care of his family and The Residence of Arbor Hospice in Saline. He is survived by beloved wife Dorothy Kempisty and four children Mike (Laurie), Kim, Larry (Jackie), and David (Carrie), eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Merle and many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents John and Anna Kempisty, brother Edward and his wife Mildred, brother Raymond and nephew Johnnie Kempisty.
Retirement after 26 years in the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer in the Seabees, he served his country proudly and was in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He was a member of the American Legion Stitt Post #232 of Dearborn Heights.
He was known for his love of wife “my beautiful Scottish bride” –his favorite phrase, family, travel, heavy equipment and his John Deere Tractor – helping all neighbors along the Lake Huron shoreline. Along with his famous sea stories shared with family and all who knew him, he relocated down to The Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Miss. – where he resided these last 4.5 years.
Although Leonard was enjoying time at his home in Oscoda since September 2020 until his passing in January 2021, he proudly shared life stories about his retirement home and all he knew in Gulfport.
Leonard was a man of faith who attended Mass locally at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. In lieu of donations, flowers or condolences, Leonard’s family asks that any contributions be made to:
Sacred Heart Church 5300 N. US-23, Oscoda, MI 48750 in honor of God Our Heavenly Father.
Due to Leonard’s family residing down state, an 11:30 am Memorial Mass to celebrate Leonard’s life will be held on Friday, February 5, 2021 at St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church in Saline, Michigan. The family will receive all who would like to be present at 10:30 a.m. A direct livestream link for his Funeral Mass can be accessed here: https://youtu.be/dZuGZvzJ1QI or as a back-up: https://youtu.be/flJlnhOxpiM.
Military honors and flag bestowed immediately following the service in Saline and burial at 3 p.m. at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly. Forever in our hearts, Chief…”Fair Winds and Following Seas.”
To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Iosco County News-Herald from Feb. 3 to Mar. 2, 2021.
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