Leonard "Lenny" Kulasa

Leonard “Lenny” Kulasa, age 79, of Griffith passed away on September 17, 2024. He was born on January 1, 1945 to the late John and Helen (nee Jasiak) Kulasa. As a native of East Chicago, Lenny attended St. Stanislaus Grade School and graduated Roosevelt High School Class of 1963. He also attended Purdue University. Lenny remained a lifelong parishioner of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church

Lenny proudly served in U.S. Army from 1965 to 1968, including 2 tours in Vietnam with the 244th Aviation Company as an airborne sensor specialist. Prior to serving in the Army, he worked for Inland Steel and rejoined the company after returning home. He retired from Inland Steel in 1990 after 25 years of service.

Lenny gave tirelessly to many veteran organizations. He was the Senior Vice Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8141 (Calumet City, IL) and served as past Commander at both the VFW and American Legion Post 369 (East Chicago). He was also a member of the Calumet City Cavalier Club. In 2023, he was selected to fly on Honor Flight Chicago, a 1-day trip to Washington D.C. to honor and thank veterans from WWII, Korean and Vietnam wars. Lenny deeply cherished this opportunity to visit many of the war memorials, connect with other veterans and receive a long overdue hero’s welcome. 

Lenny was a passionate model train collector and was a proud member of the Hi-Rail Modular Train Club in Griffith. He was also a volunteer at the Polish Heritage Festivals in Michigan City.

He is survived by his sisters, Isabelle (late Joseph) Kaptur, Janet (late Robert) Huke and Theresa (late Lester) Child, as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, September 28th at 10am , St. Stanislaus Church, East Chicago, with Father Pat Gaza officiating.

A Gathering will be at 9am at the Church prior to Mass.

A memorial Luncheon will follow at VFW Post 8141 , 664 Hirsch Ave. Calumet City, IL.