Leonard John Palasz

Leonard (Lenny) Palasz passed away February 2, 2021 with his beloved daughters at his side. Awaiting Lenny in heaven is his wife Janet (nee Hebert), his loving parents John and Rose (Chybowski) Palasz, beloved sisters Marie (Henry) Buczkowski, Gertrude (Earl) Anderson and Phyllis Palasz. Also, his brother-in law, the late Earl (Jane) Hebert and his sister-in-law, the late Evelyn (Robert) Vogl. Lenny is survived by his daughters Kim (Mark) Nitka, Sheila (Randy) Gosh and Amy (Patrick) Joy, and the light of his life, grandson Eric (fiancée Corissa) Gosh. He is further survived by his sister Theresa (the late Lawrence) Hastings, his brother-in-law Gordon (the late Patricia) Hebert, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends, the Jack and Ruth Kennedy Family and his buddy (like a son) Gary (Luann) Hey. Lenny was born and raised in South Milwaukee, WI. He proudly served our nation in the Army and Army Reserve. Lenny became a widower and single parent in 1976. With the help of his daughter’s aunt’s and uncle’s, his girls were taught a very deep love of family and friends, as well as kindness and compassion for others, a strong work ethic, and how to have FUN! Lenny worked most of this adult life at Bucyrus-Erie in South Milwaukee as well as co-owning, with his sister Gertie and brother-in-law Andy, a successful business, The Rawson Ballroom. The Rawson Ballroom was the heart of the family. Weekly Friday fish fries at the tavern and banquet hall were a family event. Lenny’s mother and sisters prepared the homemade food each week while the brothers-in-law help tend to the bar. Many other cousins and family members pitched in wherever needed. Rawson Ballroom was the home to AMVETS Post #4, where Lenny was a life member and past Commander. It was also the home of the Krakow Polish Dancers. In 1960, John F. Kennedy chose the tavern’s hall as a stop for his Presidential campaign. Lenny loved music and singing. He enjoyed playing cards, the Green Bay Packers and loved spending time with his grand dogs. The family would like to thank the Coury family and the Staff of Elizabeth Residence Oak Creek for their compassionate care over the past 3 ½ years. Dad always said “my daughters are my honeys and the aide’s at Elizabeth Residence are my other honeys.” Thanks to Tom at Elizabeth Residence for always reminiscing with Dad about South Milwaukee, he truly enjoyed it. We would also like to thank and express our love for our Guardian Angel, Louise Connerton, who has given us constant love, support and guidance. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to make a donation to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Vasculitis Foundation, or the charity of your choice. Funeral services, with military honors, will be held at Divine Mercy Parish, 800 Marquette Avenue, South Milwaukee, WI on Friday, February 19, 2021. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. with a Mass of Christian burial at 11:00. The service will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person, see the Max A. Sass website for details. Private burial will be at Holy Sepulcher at a later date. THE RAWSON BALLROOM IN HEAVEN IS OPEN !