Leonard J. Wallace

Leonard J. Wallace was born June 9, 1922 in Nokomis, IL. He enlisted in the United States Army during WW II.  He was the recipient of the Purple Heart and Croix de Guerre for his actions on the battlefield.

Upon returning from the war he married Eileen O’Brien on September 3, 1949 (in spite of a snipe hunting incident and never buying a toothbrush from her).

They had three daughters; Nancy, Cindy, and Terri.  They enjoyed being with family, dancing, and trips to Las Vegas. Later in life they volunteered their time at Community Hospital East for over 19 years.

Leonard, [Wally, Uncle Lenny, Mr. Wallace, Daddy, Dad, Poppy, Pa] could be a man of few words (which worked out beautifully for Eileen).  He loved westerns, merlot, could tackle any home improvement project, and never met a pasta he didn’t like.

His life spanned the Great Depression, the birth of the internet, and the new millennium. Through it all he was a man of God, family and integrity.

Asked what one word he would want on his tombstone he replied “Righteous”. Once again, a man of few words, but the right one.