Obituary of Henry Leser JR

Henry J. Leser, Jr. Age 89, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Provena Villa Franciscan. Born July 8, 1918 in Joliet to the late Henry and Alvina (nee Hammel) Leser, he was a longtime Joliet resident who also lived in downtown Chicago from the early 1970's until returning to Joliet in 2000 to reside at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home. Henry graduated from Joliet Catholic High School where he was Valedictorian of the Class of 1936. Soon after graduation, he began his career with Illinois Bell Telephone Company as a telephone lineman and retired from Ameritech in 1981 as District Supervisor of Budgeting. His career with the phone company was interrupted twice with service to his country as a World War II and Korean War veteran. He served in WW II in the United States Army Air Corps, flying many missions as a B-24 flight commander and squadron lead pilot with The Eighth Squadron in England. For his service, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross and three Bronze Service Stars. During the Korean War he served with the 516th Troop Carrier Wing and was awarded three Bronze Service Stars to the Korean Service Medal. He retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1966. While working for Illinois Bell he attended Joliet Junior College and St. Viator's College. He continued his education at Northwestern University, attending classes in the evening, earning a B.S. in Business Administration. He is survived by his brother, George (Dolores) Leser of Eau Claire, WI; fond uncle of William (Connie) Banford of Upper Marlboro, MD, Robert (Frances) Banford of Norfolk, VA, Catherine Leser (John Manning) of Nashville, TN, and George L. Leser of Key Biscayne, FL; and dear great-uncle of William and Justin Banford, Matthew and Lauren Banford. Preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leo and Clare Leser; one sister, Bernadine (late William) Branford and a special aunt, Sophia "Aunt Fif" Hammel. Henry will be fondly remembered as a humble man and a gentleman. He thoroughly enjoyed sailing and downhill skiing and also liked to travel. Funeral services for Henry J. Leser, Jr. will be Thursday, July 10, 2008 at Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home, 1201 Wyoming Ave., Joliet where all friends and relatives are invited to gather from 9:00 a.m. until the Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10:30 a.m. Interment St. John Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name to Our Lady of Angels or Provena Villa Franciscan would be appreciated. Arrangements by: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds.,Joliet For information (815) 741-5500