Leonard E. Kolodziejczyk

Leonard Kolodziejczyk was born on July 27, 1928, to Martha Bertha and Conrad Kolodziejczyk in Sealy, TX and passed away at age 91 on June 3, 2020.

From an early age, Leonard loved to harvest crops and tend to cattle. His animals were like his children, he always put their needs and welfare before his own. Leonard moved to Yorktown, from Sealy, in the 1970s. You could often find him hanging out at the Davy Store where he would visit with LeRoy Ruppert, Laura Sanders, and help babysit Laura’s daughter, Melissa. He was also a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church and Garfield Gun Club.

Leonard was blessed to make many friends who turned into family, a family that although not bound by blood was filled with love, laughter, and a willingness to accept everyone as they were. He would often introduce his family around town – from big buck contests to the Garfield Fall Festival – he made sure that everyone knew his “sons” Daniel, Patrick, and Ben.

His “grandchildren” Tyler, Marshall, and PJ would challenge him every year in a friendly big buck contest; Leonard always seemed to win, even though he showed up at the stand after sunrise and left before sunset. He had a special knack for spotting the “big ones” and always managed to get the perfect shot.

Leonard will be remembered for many things, but the most memorable thing about Leonard is the advice and stories that he would share freely with anyone who would listen. Over his 91 years, Leonard experienced many of life’s challenges, and he made sure that the lessons he learned were passed down for future generations. From advice about running his ranch to relationships, Leonard was a fountain of knowledge that many were blessed to drink from.

At 89 Leonard was diagnosed with cancer. As with the other challenges life threw at him, he tackled his diagnosis with grit, determination, and stubbornness. Leonard endured multiple surgeries, chemo, and radiation over the past several years, and always left the doctors wondering just how he did it. Leonard was an exceptional man who will be deeply missed.

Leonard is preceded in death by his mother and father, sister Irene Drymalla, niece Eileen Prazak, friend Hertha Rogge, and adopted son Daniel Jaloway. He is survived by his adopted family, sons Patrick Jaloway and Ben Jaloway; grandchildren Patricia “PJ” Jaloway, Marshall Jaloway and Tyler Jaloway; niece Denise Vader, nephew Mark Drymalla; great-nieces and great-nephews; and many friends.

Visitation 4-6 pm Sunday June 7, 2020 at Massey Funeral Home with Rosary starting at 6 pm. Funeral Mass 10 am Monday June 8, 2020 at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.

You are invited to sign the online guest book at www.masseyfh.com

Arrangements made by Massey Funeral Home, Yorktown, Texas 361-564-2900.

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