Leonard "Len" Lemanski, of Farmington, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed into eternal life on Sunday, July 26, 2026, at Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital. Having celebrated his 90th birthday just one day earlier, Len departed this life surrounded by the love of the family he had worked so faithfully to nurture and encourage.

Len was born July 25, 1936, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the son of the late Elias and Leona (Ogurek) Lemanski. Raised in a loving, hardworking family of modest means, Len learned early that a person's life was measured not by material possessions, but by character, effort and the good accomplished for others. Those lessons became the foundation of his life.

As a young man, Len was remarkably motivated. He delivered newspapers for the Milwaukee Journal, worked at a dime store, set pins at a bowling alley and served as an usher—and eventually lead usher—at a Milwaukee arena. He also spent time working on his family's farm near Thorp, Wisconsin. During his school years, he played football as a lineman, wrestled and participated in track. A natural competitor, he balanced school, work, athletics, weightlifting and homework with a determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

Len graduated from South Division High School in Milwaukee in 1954 and soon afterward entered the United States Army. He served his country honorably for three years. While stationed near Philadelphia, Len met a young woman named Barbara, who was working for the government's Quartermaster Corps. They met just two weeks before Len was discharged from the Army, but their brief time together marked the beginning of an extraordinary love story.

In an age before text messages and video calls, Len and Barbara conducted much of their courtship through handwritten letters. For nearly two years, they corresponded across the miles, occasionally managing a visit. Their love endured the distance, and they were married on August 29, 1959, at Our Lady of Holy Souls Catholic Church in Philadelphia. Together, they shared nearly 67 years of marriage, building a life marked by faithfulness, perseverance, sacrifice and a deep commitment to their family.

Following his military service, Len attended the University of Wisconsin. When he applied to its engineering school, he was advised to consider a less demanding course of study. Len, however, had never been one to walk away from a challenge. He persisted until he was admitted on probation and then earned grade-point averages of 3.3 and 3.2 during his first two semesters. While others may have had greater natural academic ability, Len believed that he could make up the difference by working harder and longer.

He ultimately earned his engineering degree and remained a proud Wisconsin Badger for the rest of his life.

Len began his professional career with General Electric in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. His career with GE would span 36 years and eventually bring the growing Lemanski family to the Detroit area. Following his retirement, former customers continued to seek out his knowledge and expertise. In response, Len established his own engineering consulting company, LeMans Technical, Inc., and continued working for approximately another decade.

Len was fortunate to find work that he truly enjoyed, and he performed it exceptionally well. He often reminded his family, "If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life." His career reflected that belief. Engineering was more than a profession to Len—it suited his inquisitive mind, his love of problem-solving and his determination to find a way forward when others might have given up.

Len loved projects and was famous within the family for using leverage, carefully planned systems and all manner of creative devices to accomplish a task. Whether designing something professionally, removing trees from the yard or completing a project around the house, he approached each challenge as a problem waiting to be solved.

In 1967, Len and Barbara settled on Bridgeman Street in Farmington, where they raised their family. Len later designed and worked closely with the builder in constructing their longtime family home on Fairview. He also helped build the family cottage in Hale, Michigan. These homes became lasting monuments to his ability, vision and commitment to providing his family with places where they could grow together.

The Hale cottage, purchased in 1999 adjacent to the cottage of their son Greg and daughter-in-law Brenda, became one of Len's greatest gifts to his family. At one time, seven related families had cottages within the same close-knit compound. Len loved being there, not necessarily because he needed to be on the water himself, but because he delighted in watching his family enjoy it.

Countless memories were made through family dinners, games, boat rides, conversations in "Lenny's Lounge" and grandchildren running from cottage to cottage. Every game imaginable was played, stories were shared and deep family roots were strengthened. Len's investment in the cottage was about far more than property; it was an investment in togetherness and in generations yet to come.

Family was always at the center of Len's life. He and Barbara rarely missed an athletic event, school function or important occasion involving their children or grandchildren. Whether cheering for one of his own children, supporting one of his ten grandchildren or following the schools they attended, Len was present, enthusiastic and proud.

Known as "Grandpa" to some and "Pop Pop" to others, Len possessed a remarkable gift for encouraging his grandchildren. He was positive, affirming and genuinely interested in their lives. He wanted each of them to work hard, value education, build strong families and persevere through whatever challenges they might encounter. He believed deeply in their futures and was confident that, through God's grace, they would choose good spouses, raise loving families and carry forward the values he had tried to model.

Len was especially proud as his family continued to grow. His pride was never boastful; rather, it came from a place of profound gratitude. He treasured his daughters-in-law and son-in-law, warmly welcomed those who joined the Lemanski family and took great joy in seeing the legacy that he and Barbara had created together.

A deeply patriotic man, Len loved America and remained profoundly grateful for its freedoms and opportunities. He was an avid student of American history, particularly the history of World War II. He read extensively and listened with reverence whenever he had the opportunity to speak with a veteran.

During a family trip to Africa, Barbara persuaded Len to go by promising that they would visit Normandy on their return journey. Standing among the rows of grave markers in the American cemetery, Len was overcome with emotion. He was similarly moved during a visit to the National World War II Museum in New Orleans. The sacrifices made by others for freedom were never abstract to Len. He felt them deeply and worked to pass that appreciation on to his children and grandchildren.

Len also loved sports, especially college football. He remained faithful to his Wisconsin Badgers while enthusiastically cheering for the teams and schools connected to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed Detroit Tigers baseball, football and the simple pleasure of watching a good game with his family.

His faith was an important part of his life. Len and Barbara raised their children in the church, introducing them to God and His Word. As he grew older, Len sought to deepen his own understanding of faith and became increasingly reflective about the blessings, responsibilities and purpose of his life.

Perhaps no quality defined Len more clearly than perseverance. In a message written for his grandchildren, he reflected upon the philosophy that had guided him throughout his life: work harder and longer when necessary, continue despite disadvantages and never allow difficulty to determine the outcome.

He encouraged his grandchildren to seek out Calvin Coolidge's famous "Press On" passage for themselves and to treasure its meaning. Len hoped its lesson would help them through the difficult moments they would inevitably encounter. He did not merely speak about persistence—he embodied it through his education, military service, career, marriage, family life and every project he undertook.

Len also believed in being "thoroughly used up" by the end of life, reasoning that the harder he worked, the more fully he lived. By that measure, Len lived very fully indeed. He used his gifts, energy, knowledge and determination in service to his family, profession and country.

Yet for all his seriousness of purpose, Len also possessed a wonderful sense of humor and a memorable laugh. When something truly delighted him, he could launch into what the family fondly described as one of his 60-second laughing marathons. Anyone fortunate enough to witness one could not help but begin laughing along with him.

The final month of Len's life proved to be a special gift. It was as though God allowed him to recognize that his time was growing short and filled his heart with an even greater tenderness. Len asked his family to pose questions to him, eager to share his thoughts, memories and wisdom. He cried many happy tears as he reflected upon his family and the life he had been blessed to live.

He expressed gratitude for being born in America and for the freedom and opportunities he had received. He was thankful for the doctors and nurses caring for him. Even after weeks in a hospital bed, enduring tests, procedures and discomfort, Len most often assured those around him that he was "doing fine."

That quiet answer reflected the man he had always been—steadfast, positive, grateful and unwilling to allow hardship to overshadow his blessings.

Surviving Len are his beloved wife of nearly 67 years, Barbara; cherished children, Jeff (Teresa) Lemanski, Lori (Mike) Casper and Chris (Stacey) Lemanski; ten adored grandchildren, Alex (Jacob) Krafft, Ryan Lemanski, Garrett (Ellen) Lemanski, Quinton Lemanski, Grant (Jill) Lemanski, Brady Casper, Claire Casper and her fiancé, Nick Strothman, C.J. Lemanski, Hannah (Lincoln) Veitenheimer, and Josh Lemanski,; and great-grandchildren, Oliver and Nora Krafft and Sophie Lemanski, with another precious great-grandchild expected in September.  Very sadly, Len was preceded in death by his cherished son, Greg (Brenda) Lemanski, on March 20, 2025. The loss of Greg brought tremendous sorrow, but the memories created by their families—especially those shared together at the cottages in Hale—remain an enduring part of Len's legacy.

Len is also survived by his sister, Clementine (the late Steve) Ratkowski, as well as extended family members, former colleagues and friends.

Len grew up simply, but he grew up loved. He cared little for material possessions, choosing instead to build a life of substance and character. He was a faithful husband, a devoted father, an extraordinary grandfather and great-grandfather, a proud veteran, a gifted engineer and a grateful American.

The homes he helped create, the cottage memories he made possible, the work ethic he instilled, the faith he nurtured and the encouragement he offered will continue to shape his family for generations.

Len pressed on throughout his life. He worked hard, loved deeply and persevered faithfully. Now, having been thoroughly used in service to all that mattered most to him, he leaves behind a family prepared to carry his lessons forward.

Len's funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday morning, August 8th, 11:00 am, at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 21300 Farmington Road, Farmington.

Following the Funeral Mass, family and friends are warmly invited to gather at the Lemanski family home for a celebration of Len's life, where memories, fellowship and refreshments will be shared.

Memorial contributions are kindly suggested to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation .

His was a life well built, well lived and deeply loved.