Submitted by: Dan Rich

Brother Leonard C. Siwierka C.S.C.

June 21, 1932 - Sept. 25, 2001

South Bend Tribune 9/29/2001

Br. Leonard Charles Siwierka, C.S.C., 69, died of natural causes on Tuesday, September 25, 2001, in his residence at St. Agnes Rectory, Elyria, Ohio. He was born on June 21, 1932, in McKeesport, Pa., the son of Joseph and Nellie (Bryja) Siwierka, one of ten children, seven of who survive.

Br. Leonard attended elementary school in McKeesport, Pa., began secondary school at Elyria High School, and finished at Elyria Catholic H.S., from which he graduated in June 1951. He was employed briefly as a stock manager and office worker in Elyria and Lorain, OH., before joining the Holy Cross Brothers at Watertown, Wis., in September 1951. He received the habit of the brothers in February 1952, made his first profession of vows a year later, and pronounced his perpetual vows on August 16, 1956.

Br. Leonard coupled many talents with his outgoing, cheerful and confident personality. The Combination attracted people to him wherever he lived and whatever ministry he performed. He was an excellent cook, a business manager, a kitchen supervisor, a prefect, and a counselor to youth and adults alike. After his novitiate year he was assigned in February 1953 to study and cook at Vincent Hall, at St. Edward's University, Austin, TX., until June 1954. He worked as a staff a member at the Ave Maria Press, Notre Dame, Ind., from 1954-59, and on the staff of Boysville of Michigan, Clinton, Mich., from 1959-69. From 1969-76 he was a staff member at Gilmour Academy, Gates Mills, OH.; and from 1976-86 he cooked for the brothers staffing Catholic Central High School in Monroe, Mich. He again joined the staff at the Macon Campus of Boysville from 1986-87, and at the facility's Moreau Center in Monroe from 1987-97. That year he also worked briefly for Gordon Food Services, Monroe, and Bacarella Funeral Chapel in same city. From 1998 until his death he was a pastoral associate at St. Agnes Church, Elyria.

Oustandling generous, devoted to prayer and to helping others, always ready to help plan and organize occasions of all types, Br. Leonard was for years closely associated with the Knights of Columbus and was actively supportive of their mission and activities. He loved music and accompanied hymns on the organ at liturgical functions. He was unabashedly proud of his eastern European heritage. His deep spirituality evidence itself in his sensitive treatment of others, young and old. He could be counted on to assist wherever needed. His most recent ministry was to his home parish where he renewed his close ties to both family and local Church.

Visitation will begin at 2:03 p.m. Tuesday, October 2, at St. Joseph's Chapel, the brothers' Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 St. Rd. 933. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 3:30, with burial immediately afterward in St. Joseph's Cemetery on the Village grounds.

The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.