Leonard Letke, Jr.

Leonard Walter Letke, Jr., affectionately known as Len or Lenny, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on May 12, 2025. Born on October 27, 1943, in Toledo, Ohio, Len’s life was marked by intelligence, humor, and the remarkable ability to fix anything.

A devoted husband, Len shared 60 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cecelia (“Cece”), who passed away one month later on June 18, 2025. Together, they raised two sons, Steve (Mary Beth) and Andy (Dori), who along with their spouses and six grandchildren—Andrew, James, Thomas (Anna), Rebecca, Wolfie, and Sylvie—carry on his legacy of love and family. He spent many years building Legos, babysitting, playing ping pong, and vacationing with all the kids and grandkids. Len is also survived by his siblings, Frank Letke, Kathy Gonella (Greg), and Carolyn Miller, (Dan), brother-in-law Ron Floyd (Kay), sisters-in-law Beth Floyd and Vickie Etherton, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Paula Letke, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Victor and Debbie Floyd.

Professionally, Len was a mechanical and manufacturing engineer whose career spanned Baker Brothers Tool and Die and Peter’s Stamping, both in Toledo, OH. His work at DeVilbiss took him from Toledo to Angola, IN where he continued to help raise his family. Len’s engineering experience took him to Bloomington, IN at Otis Elevator and then to Cemco Lift in the Philadelphia area. He and Cece retired in Angola and then Sun City Center, FL. Known as a jack-of-all-trades person, Len approached life’s challenges with ingenuity, humor, and an unwavering can-do attitude.

Len’s interests were as varied as his talents. He was an avid fisherman, boater, gardener, games player, and Euchre lover, who enjoyed science fiction, Sudoku, solving puzzles, watching boxing, playing video games, reading books, and sharing jokes. He also gave back to his community by teaching CCD classes at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, helping out his neighbors, and teaching engineering classes to students at Trine University as an adjunct professor.

Those who knew Len will remember him as funny, intelligent, and endlessly resourceful—a man who brought laughter, wisdom, and joy to everyone around him. His legacy is one of love and generosity. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of life service for Len and Cece is planned for Monday, July 21 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Angola, Indiana. Visitation at 10 AM with Mass at 11 AM.

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