Mr. Leonard "Kroppy" Kropioski

LEONARD “KROPPY” Kropioski

July 22, 1918 -September 13, 2016

Blessed with longevity and a fulfilling life, Leonard (Len) Kropioski, World War II Veteran, died on Tuesday September 13, 2016. He was 98 years old. Len was perhaps better known as "Kroppy” particularly in and around the various sports circles he so enjoyed. His beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren called him Geeg and affectionately, others did too.

Len was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 22, 1918 to parents Rosalie (nee Koch) and Ignatius Kropioski. Len was proud of his Polish heritage and grew up happily in the North End of Winnipeg where he enjoyed playing many sports - especially hockey and baseball.

Len was a proud Canadian who loved his country. He enlisted in the army on November 22, 1940 and was honourably discharged on January 5th, 1946. Len served alongside the U.S. forces in the Aleutian Islands Campaign between June 3, 1942 - August 15, 1943. His service efforts were recognized by the State of Alaska with a special letter of Commendation. Len was a member of both the Keewatin/Kenora Royal Canadian Legions.

While stationed in Fort William, Ontario (Thunder Bay) and prior to being deployed on his mission to the Aleutians, Len met and married his beloved "Rosie.” They were married for just over 50 years.

After his discharge from the Army, Len settled in Kenora (Norman), Ontario to raise his family and integrate himself into the community, and he did so through his love of sports. Len volunteered his time and gave what he could to enhance local sports in the community. He played baseball in the local leagues in the

1950’s and was considered to be a good colorful player. He either hit a home run or crowded the plate so he could get a walk and get on base. Len mentored, sponsored and supported many sports teams throughout the years. He sponsored Men’s and Women’s Hockey; Minor, Men’s and Women’s Baseball;

and girl’s ringette.

He was also a coach, referee and umpire - he did what was needed. The Kroppy’s Hawks logo was seen on many of their uniforms.

Len was an avid fan of professional sports, particularly hockey and his love of the Winnipeg Jets, where he could be seen saluting and singing the National Anthem. He was a season ticket holder for the Winnipeg Goldeyes Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Manitoba Moose for a number of years.

Len was employed by the Town of Kenora for many years as a lineman who worked on power and telephones. He enjoyed his job - especially the great people and co workers he met along the way.

Len was predeceased by his beloved wife Rose (nee Derry). Len will be remembered with love and his memory honoured by his family: daughter Adrienne Lacombe & son-in-Iaw Ray; daughter Lynne McKenzie; grandson Mark Lacombe & his wife Christine; grand-daughters Raquel McKenzie and Kim Innard (Warren); and his dearly loved great granddaughters Meagan Lacombe Dufresne (Steven), Amy Lacombe (Jeff). Len’s life was also greatly blessed by a wonderful extended family friends and neighbours.

Len was also predeceased by his parents, sisters Josephine Herba, Marie Sidlosk, Jean Klaponski and Estelle Sakowicz.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Louis Church in Keewatin, ON with Father Allen Abadines officiating and celebrating the mass, followed by the Colour Party of the Royal Canadian Legion.

He always tried to do what was right, rather that what was easy.

He was honest, loyal & dependable to both family and friends.

He was a good man to look up to… And that was what we did.

We are thankful to have had him in our lives.

May he rest in peace.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.

* * * * * * * * * *

.IN LOVING MEMORY OF

LEONARD “KROPPY” Kropioski

July 22, 1918 -September 13, 2016

Blessed with longevity and a fulfilling life, Leonard (Len) Kropioski, World War II Veteran, died on Tuesday September 13, 2016. He was 98 years old. Len was perhaps better known as "Kroppy” particularly in and around the various sports circles he so enjoyed. His beloved Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren called him Geeg and affectionately, others did too.

Len was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba on July 22, 1918 to parents Rosalie (nee Koch) and Ignatius Kropioski. Len was proud of his Polish heritage and grew up happily in the North End of Winnipeg where he enjoyed playing many sports - especially hockey and baseball.

Len was a proud Canadian who loved his country. He enlisted in the army on November 22, 1940 and was honourably discharged on January 5th, 1946. Len served alongside the U.S. forces in the Aleutian Islands Campaign between June 3, 1942 - August 15, 1943. His service efforts were recognized by the State of Alaska with a special letter of Commendation. Len was a member of both the Keewatin/Kenora Royal Canadian Legions.

While stationed in Fort William, Ontario (Thunder Bay) and prior to being deployed on his mission to the Aleutians, Len met and married his beloved "Rosie.” They were married for just over 50 years.

After his discharge from the Army, Len settled in Kenora (Norman), Ontario to raise his family and integrate himself into the community, and he did so through his love of sports. Len volunteered his time and gave what he could to enhance local sports in the community. He played baseball in the local leagues in the

1950’s and was considered to be a good colorful player. He either hit a home run or crowded the plate so he could get a walk and get on base. Len mentored, sponsored and supported many sports teams throughout the years. He sponsored Men’s and Women’s Hockey; Minor, Men’s and Women’s Baseball;

and girl’s ringette.

He was also a coach, referee and umpire - he did what was needed. The Kroppy’s Hawks logo was seen on many of their uniforms.

Len was an avid fan of professional sports, particularly hockey and his love of the Winnipeg Jets, where he could be seen saluting and singing the National Anthem. He was a season ticket holder for the Winnipeg Goldeyes Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Manitoba Moose for a number of years.

Len was employed by the Town of Kenora for many years as a lineman who worked on power and telephones. He enjoyed his job - especially the great people and co workers he met along the way.

Len was predeceased by his beloved wife Rose (nee Derry). Len will be remembered with love and his memory honoured by his family: daughter Adrienne Lacombe & son-in-Iaw Ray; daughter Lynne McKenzie; grandson Mark Lacombe & his wife Christine; grand-daughters Raquel McKenzie and Kim Innard (Warren); and his dearly loved great granddaughters Meagan Lacombe Dufresne (Steven), Amy Lacombe (Jeff). Len’s life was also greatly blessed by a wonderful extended family friends and neighbours.

Len was also predeceased by his parents, sisters Josephine Herba, Marie Sidlosk, Jean Klaponski and Estelle Sakowicz.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 19, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Louis Church in Keewatin, ON with Father Allen Abadines officiating and celebrating the mass, followed by the Colour Party of the Royal Canadian Legion.

He always tried to do what was right, rather that what was easy.

He was honest, loyal & dependable to both family and friends.

He was a good man to look up to… And that was what we did.

We are thankful to have had him in our lives.

May he rest in peace.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

BROWN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE ENTRUSTED WITH ARRANGEMENTS.