Leonard F. Lemka

Leonard F. Lemka, 90, passed away February 21, 2026, in the care of North Kansas City Hospice.

He was born March 13, 1935, in West Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Fred and Maudie Lemka and later made his home in Independence, Missouri.

As a young man, Leonard worked as a sacker at Milgram’s grocery store and later served as manager of both the Englewood and Granada theatres in Independence. Over the course of his working life he was employed at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, CertainTeed, and Armco Steel. He later retired from Roadway Express Trucking as a Load Engineer.

Leonard enjoyed gardening and especially took pride in growing asparagus and tomatoes. He also had a strong appreciation for well-kept automobiles and believed in taking the time to care properly for everything he owned.

Raised in the Presbyterian faith, Leonard later became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and faithfully served as an elder in the congregation for 40 years. He was known for his kindness and for never meeting a stranger.

He is survived by his children, Terri and Timothy, and by his sister, Bernice Mitchel. He was preceded in death by his daughter Jeanine; his brothers Frederick and Charlie; his sisters Lennie Hessenflow and Jeanette Moss; and his former wife, Judith.

Leonard is also survived by six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

A private ceremony will be held as he is laid to rest in celebration of what would have been his 91st birthday. His favorite Biblical passage was Revelation 21:3–4.