Obituary of Leonard R. Terlep
Leonard R. Terlep
Leonard R. Terlep, age 93, of Joliet, IL passed at his home, Sunday afternoon, July 28, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Len was born on June 10, 1931 in Elgin, IL the son of the late Leonard J. and Leona (nee Dick) Terlep and had resided in Joliet most of his life. He attended Joliet Grade Schools and graduated with the class of 1949 from Joliet Township High School. Len was a U.S. Army Veteran who served during the Korean War where he earned a National Defense Service Medal. After the war, he received an Associate’s Degree from Joliet Junior College in 1958.
Len retired from Commonwealth Edison after 42 years of service. He was a member of IMUG (Illinois Mac Users Group), a charter member of the O.F. Golf Group, and the Westside Euchre Club, which he established in 1992 and was active until 2010. Len was also a founding member and active parishioner of Holy Family Catholic Church.
In his earlier years, Len enjoyed family camping trips, playing cards, loved to dance with his wife Nancy, listening to music, spending time out on the golf course with his buddies, and riding his Harley Davidson. He was known to be able to fix anything, either mechanical or electrical. He and Nancy were cruising buddies with his sister Diane Birkey and her husband Jim. They enjoyed many trips out west with family and Len was always happiest spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Len is survived by his loving wife of 68 years Nancy L. (nee Phillips) Terlep; his children, David L. (Rebecca) Terlep, Daniel J. (Diane) Terlep, Leanne M. (Joseph) Bates and John P. (Toby Hawkes) Terlep; grandchildren, Brett, Kevin (Kris) and Ryan (Alex) Terlep, Eric (Kristen) Terlep, Stacy (Alec) Krabbe, Alaina (Eric) Vacco, Christopher (Veronica) Bates, Maria (Matthew) Smothers, Teresa (Kevin) Buss, Julia Bates and Kaytlin Converse; great-grandchildren, Judah and Morgan Leonard Terlep, Freya Terlep, Evelyn and Delilah Krabbe, Dominick Vacco, Alfie and Leonora Blue-Bates, and Emilia and Quinn Smothers; and his siblings, Diane (the late James) Birkey, Kenneth (Kathryn) Terlep and Ronald (Carol) Terlep. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.
He is preceded by his parents; and his in-laws, Marjorie (nee Phillips) and Bruce Arnold, and Jack Phillips.
Visitation for Leonard R. Terlep will be held on Sunday, August 4, 2024 from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd. (at Essington Rd.) Joliet. Funeral services will begin Monday morning, August 5, 2024, at the funeral home with prayers at 10:15 a.m. and will process to Holy Family Catholic Church, 600 N. Brook Forest Ave, Shorewood, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL with full military honors held under the auspices of the United States Army and the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery Memorial Squad.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Len's name to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Circle, Joliet, IL 60431would be appreciated.
For more information please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can leave an online condolence or share a favorite memory.
