Feb. 12, 1927 – Feb. 13, 2011

Leonard Abraham Worzalla died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at home in Waukesha. He was 84 years old. Len was born Feb. 12, 1927, in Milwaukee, a son of John F. Worzalla and Johanna (nee Nierzwicki).

He was the beloved husband of Janice (nee Wichman); dear father of Brian (Chrissy), Jennifer (Tom), Gregory (Tammy) and Christopher; and loving grandfather of Michael, Joshua, Katelyn, Megan, Jessica, Leah and Paige.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher; his parents; and his 13 brothers and sisters.

He volunteered for the Navy at age 17, serving aboard an LST in the Pacific theater during World War II, where his nickname was "Books." Len loved to write. Starting as a copy boy at the Milwaukee Sentinel, he became a reporter and editor for several publications and wrote freelance, too. He retired from the Waukesha Freeman after 29 years in journalism, but still enjoyed writing about people and working on fictional stories.

Things that Len held dear: his faith, family, love of history, and his stance and action on social issues such as civil rights. Len will be remembered for his strength and gentleness, great sense of humor and giving his family his very best.

The funeral is directed by Schramka Funeral Homes with visitation from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 17, at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker Funeral Home, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha. A service will follow the visitation. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 18, at St. William Catholic Church, 440 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are encouraged.

Schramka Funeral Home, 414-464-4040, is serving the family.