Leon John Kosek

Lee Kosek was born in Detroit, the son of John and Sophia Kosek, who immigrated from Poland. He graduated with honors from Cass Tech High School and the University of Detroit and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Detroit Dental School.

Lee was a veteran and served in Patton’s Third Army throughout Europe during World War II. While socializing with the U of D Polish student club, Lee met Delphine Makowski and realized he had met his match. They married in 1952, and shared 65 joyful years of marriage before Del passed in 2017.

Dr. Leon J. Kosek, “Dr. K” to many, built his dental practice from the ground up, starting with a small office on Van Dyke in Detroit and later expanding to a larger space in Warren. He was an active member in the Detroit District Dental Society and American Dental Association, serving on a committee that facilitated the introduction of fluoride to drinking water to improve the dental health of children. His patients appreciated his kind and gentle touch and Dr. K especially enjoyed talking with them and learning about their lives. When he retired at age 60, he missed most conversing with his patients.

Lee and Del dearly loved each other, their family and their friends. Cherished memories included time spent boating, fishing, skiing and traveling. Lee was skilled at playing tennis and was disappointed when he had to give up playing singles in favor of doubles when he turned 75. Lee’s favorite trick was to play with two forehands as he was ambidextrous and could play with both hands. He was on the courts year-round until he turned 90.

His lifelong joys included world travel with Del, watching movies and football. Lee was ecstatic when he found the “Red Zone,” where he could watch every touchdown in every game as soon as it happened. Above all, Lee was a devoted family man and his seven children are still amazed at his immense patience and calm demeanor.

Leon is survived by his children, Leon Jr. (Cheryl), Jim, Ann Conklin (Matt), Cathy Hubbard (John), Lynn, John (Terri) and Steve (Jane); grandchildren, Joe, Andrew, Debra (Jeff), Matt (Christine), Eric, Tom (Christina), Jenny (Mike), Maia, Thalia, Kate and Krista; and great-grandchildren, Liam, Bethany, Declan, Eliana, Will, Owen, Brayden and two more on the way. Leon was predeceased by his beloved wife, Delphine; parents, John and Sophia Kosek; brothers, Joseph and Thomas Kosek; and sister, Estelle Pazgrat.

A memorial Mass to celebrate Leon’s life takes place Saturday, June 4, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Woods, with visitation at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated to the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, 1820 Mt. Elliott, Detroit, 48207.