of Chelsea, Michigan, age 85, died Saturday, February 15, 2020 at Chelsea Retirement Community, surrounded by family and friends. He was born April 28, 1934 in Detroit, Michigan, the son of John Michael & Eleanor Helen (Kozlowski) Blaznek. The family moved to Chelsea in 1949 and Leonard graduated from Chelsea High School in 1952. Leonard enlisted in the United States Army upon graduation from high school, serving for two years. He was deployed to Japan and honorably discharged. Leonard served as a City of Ann Arbor Firefigher for five years, and then worked for the Dana Corporation for 31 years as a machinist. During his 36 years of employment, he remained on the family farm and assisted his father in farming.
Survivors include a sister, Patricia Ann Piatt of Chelsea; one nephew John (Jenny) Piatt, great nephew and niece, John and Avery Piatt of Chelsea; one niece, Susan Price of Powder Springs, great nieces and nephews, Samantha, Cydney and Ethan, of Powder Springs Georgia, and a special friend, Loretta Douglass of Chelsea. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John F. Blaznek; and his brother-in-law, Jerry Piatt.
Leonard enjoyed many trips to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and especially the Straights area and crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Leonard was always known for his generosity, and always willing to help.
A Funeral Mass will be held Friday, February 21, 2020, 11:00 am at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chelsea, with the V. Rev. Dr. William J. Canon Turner officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Chelsea. The family will receive friends at the church Friday 10-11 am. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary Church, of Chelsea.