Leonard G. Kavajecz

Leonard G. Kavajecz, 72, longtime Superior area resident, died Sunday, June 3, 2012 unexpectedly at his home.

He was born on November 8, 1939 in Ashland, WI to John and Pauline (Duch) Kavajecz.

Leonard graduated in 1957 from South Shore High School in Port Wing, WI. He spent one year sailing the Great Lakes as a Merchant Marine to pave the way for his college education. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and his Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.

He went on to receive his Doctorate in Psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, while at the same time, supervising student teachers within the Master’s Degree Program. Upon completing his Doctorate, Leonard began teaching in the Graduate School Master’s degree program at University of Wisconsin-Superior. He continued his 35 year career in education as a teacher and coach in Saxon, WI. Next, he moved on to a similar position in Iola, WI. In 1971, he became Assistant Superintendent in Maple, WI.
Three years later, he advanced to the position of Superintendent of Schools for the Maple School District, where he served for twenty-five years until his retirement in 1998.

After retirement, Leonard was recruited by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction to implement an online Advanced Placement Program. He was currently working for the Family Forum Head Start as Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure as an administrator, Leonard was a member of WASDA -Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators, where he was voted the Wisconsin State Superintendent of the Year. He was selected to represent the U.S. Department of Education on a tour of International Schools in Europe. He was also a member of Phi Delta Kappa whose mission is to promote high quality education through leadership, research and service in education.

Leonard was a member of Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church.


Leonard married Carlene Haarstad, the love of his life and best friend, on February 16, 1963 in Herbster, WI. They recently celebrated forty-nine years of marriage.

Leonard loved the outdoors, his community, his faith and especially his family. He was very proud of his children and considered them his greatest success.

He is survived by his wife, Carlene, Superior, WI; daughters, Penny (Matthew) Marrinan, Onalaska, WI, Paula (Chris) Daube, Duluth, MN and Kari (Steve) Nelson, Minneapolis, MN; sons, Shaun (Shelley Hughes) Kavajecz, South Range, WI and Trev (Carolyn) Kavajecz, Superior, WI; thirteen grandchildren, Kelsie, Nick, Andrea, Maggie, Ethan, Camren, Noah, Traxx, Henrik, Rokkyn, Exxl, Versii and Genevieve; three sisters, Pauline Rothenbeuler, Milwaukee, WI, Mary (Warren) Bailey, Port Wing, WI and Barbara Estrella, Austin, TX; four brothers, John (Joanne) Kavajecz, Muskego, WI, Cecil (Donna) Kavajecz, Herbster, WI, Ted (Diane) Kavajecz, Tripp Township and Lee (Patsy) Kavajecz, Port Wing, WI; several nieces and nephews and two additional family members, Laurie (David) Roufs, Wausau, WI and Darlene (Herman) Brown, Superior, WI.

Leonard is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Chris Udelhofen.

Visitation will begin at 12:00 P.M. Thursday, June 7, 2012 at Cathedral of Christ the King Catholic Church. The Memorial Mass will begin at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Andrew Ricci as celebrant. A reception will follow.


Should friends desire, memorials may be addressed to: Leonard Kavajecz Memorial Fund and forwarded to: M & I Bank, 1425 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880. A scholarship fund will be created in his honor.

The Downs-LeSage Funeral Home, 1304 Hammond Avenue, Superior is assisting the family with arrangements.
To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit www.downs-lesage.com.