Leonard L. Kearns

Leonard Lawrence Kearns, 86, of Green Bay, passed away peacefully Thursday, December 15, 2022, with his adoring wife, Tess, at his side. Leonard was born in Shattuck, Oklahoma on September 23, 1936, to the late Lawrence and Bessie (Dishen) Kearns. After completing his high school education, Leonard enlisted in the United States Army, joining the 5th Cavalry stationed in Germany. His service to his country was an accomplishment he was honored to hold. Leonard went on to marry the love of his life, Theresa “Tess” Oak on September 16, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan. This union blessed their marriage with two children, Julie and Leonard, Jr.

Leonard will be remembered as a true visionary. He built his own business specializing in dowel pins, which helped advance the automotive industry in Detroit. In his retirement, he and Tess made their home in Colorado. There, they occasionally attempted to ski but always succeeded at sharing laughter. Leonard befriended everyone he met. He shared his ingenuity by crafting specialized cutting boards that were holiday gift-giving favorites of all his neighbors. Designing collages, working on carpentry projects in the garage, and sharing his passion for life with his loved ones were the things Leonard enjoyed most, and as he liked to say, “kept his mind sharp.”

Survivors include his wife, Tess; his children: Julie (Carl) Petersen of Green Bay and Leonard Kearns, Jr. of North Carolina; his grandchildren: Nick and Emilie Petersen of Green Bay; his sister, Karen Gocha of Michigan; and his sister-in-law, Joan Holmes of Michigan.

Leonard was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings.

A private family service will be held to honor the life Leonard so generously lived.