Leonard J. Petkun

Leonard John Petkun was born on February 20, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Lithuanian parents Anton and Mary (nee Laurinska) Petkun. A man of many talents, passions, and an enduring spirit of engineering, Leonard lived a life that touched all who knew him.

A devoted Catholic, Leonard and his beloved wife Jeanne (nee Specht) Petkun, were active members of St. Gertrude Church and School, where their faith was a cornerstone of their family life.

Though Leonard possessed a natural creative engineering talent, he followed the advice of his brother-in-law and attended the University of Dayton, where he studied business and marketing. His career took him through positions at Heinz and Milacron before he found his true calling as a commercial architectural lighting specialist. He represented Halo lighting, later formed his own small agency, ALD (Architectural Lighting and Design) representing Elite Lighting and other niche manufacturers. Leonard's collaboration can be seen in countless commercial and retail spaces — and even parking lots throughout Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Columbus— As he would say, just look up and admire the fixtures that illuminate your environment.

Leonard always dreamed of being an Air Force pilot, but imperfect vision kept him from the cockpit. Never one to abandon a passion, he channeled that love of flight into becoming an avid remote control aircraft pilot, joining a local flying club in Waynesville. His favorites were always the WWII-era planes. He successfully flew planes with 6 feet wingspans.

With an engineer's mind and an artist's soul, Leonard embraced many hobbies over the years. He was an accomplished sourdough bread baker and a talented winemaker for over 40 years, earning awards for his wines at the Ohio State Fair. He also loved to sail, owning a 25-foot sailboat he named Calibougue, after his family's favorite vacation spot in Hilton Head. Leonard had a deep love for birds as well, including his cherished bird, Poco, who brought him great joy.

Leonard is lovingly survived by his daughters, Lisa Petkun Klancher and her husband John Klancher, and their daughters Kathryn, Rachel, and Nicole Klancher; and Deanna Petkun Wu and her husband David Wu. He is also survived by his beloved companion, his bird Poco. His sisters Jane Foley, Ruth Windle, nieces and nephews; Michelle Kosek, Suzanne Hogan, Rhonda Burlage, Maureen Leighty, Sean and Jim Foley.

Leonard John Petkun will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, and all whose lives he brightened — sometimes quite literally.

Friends are invited to visit with Len’s family on Thursday, May 28th from 11:30AM until 12:30PM at Thomas-Justin Memorial, 7500 Montgomery Rd. (45236) Kenwood.

Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1PM at St. Gertrude Parish, 6543 Miami Ave. (45243) Madeira.

Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Len’s memory may be directed to either:  Blackfriars or Hospice of Cincinnati