Leonard Frank Kainer

Born on September 15, 1931, to Erwin Frank Kainer and Mary Ann Muenster Kainer, Leonard and his 3 brothers enjoyed an active childhood in Schulenburg, Texas. There, he attended Schulenburg High School, as a proud Shorthorn, and with his advantageous height and outgoing personality, he excelled in football, basketball, and track & field. He was a proud member of the class of 1950. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army, proudly serving his tour in Alaska. As a member of the esteemed 457th Parachute Field Artillery Battalion, Battery A, his leadership capabilities led to him rising to the rank of Corporal. After his honorable discharge in 1953, he moved to Houston, Texas. His combination of determination and joviality led him to a successful career with Patterson Dental. A gifted and talented salesman, Leonard’s knowledge and charm earned him numerous awards. As Top Salesman of the Year for multiple years, Leonard was both a good-natured example to his peers and a model for newcomers. On June 22, 1957, he married the love of his life, Joyce Cernoch Kainer, of Houston, Texas. Joyce and Leonard recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Together, they started a family and built a life filled with love, friends, casino trips, weekly poker nights, and the occasional practical joke.

A man of great stature, with a heart to match, Leonard held close his family and those he considered family. Once he brought you into his orbit, you were there for life. He leaves behind his loving wife, Joyce; his son, Darrell, daughter-in-law, Cheryl, and beloved grandchildren, Christy and Jared, of Katy, Texas. Leonard also leaves behind his brother, Erwin Kainer, of Northfield, Minnesota, numerous treasured nieces and nephews, and countless friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Erwin and Mary Ann Kainer and his brothers, Robert J. Kainer and Leo J. Kainer, with whom he is no doubt reunited and swapping stories.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm with a rosary following at the Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home on 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, Texas, 77077.

The funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2018, at 10:30 am, with lunch following, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church at 5356 11th Street in Katy, Texas. His burial will follow at 2:00 pm at the Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery in Houston, Texas.

Leonard is dearly loved and will be greatly missed. We are grateful for him and the time that we shared.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be made to St. Bartholomew Catholic Church 5356 11th Street Katy, Texas.