Leonard Joseph Lizen

Leonard Joseph Lizen, a man of remarkable ingenuity, deep devotion, and enduring optimism, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the age of 99, in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Born in 1927 in Chicago, Illinois; Leonard was the youngest of three children. Family was the cornerstone of his life. Throughout his long and meaningful journey, he possessed a constant desire to support and uplift those he loved—whether caring for his mother, brother, sister, nieces, nephews, children, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren. He was a pillar of steadfast care, especially noted for his devotion to helping care for his mother after she became bedridden.

Leonard’s early years in Chicago were filled with fond memories of riding the trolley, pondering future inventions, and tinkering with all things mechanical. Driven by an intense, lifelong curiosity about how things worked and how they could be made better, he channeled his sharp mind into a career as a machinist and tool and die maker within the family business.

A proud veteran of World War II, Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 18 as a Seabee aboard the USS Baxter, serving courageously in the Pacific. Among his many memories, he held a special fondness for his time on Guam, where he happily served as a donut maker for the USO.

In 1950, Leonard welcomed his first daughter, Sandra. Though life took separate paths for a time, they were blessed to reconnect later in life. In 1957, he married his beloved second wife, Jeanette, and soon after welcomed their daughter, Marise. Leonard was utterly devoted to Jeanette and Marise, spending many wonderful years building a life together on the South Side of Chicago and later in South Holland, Illinois.

An accomplished designer and builder, Leonard designed his family home and eagerly embraced the projects Jeanette dreamed up for him over the years. He was particularly proud of designing and constructing an enclosed sunroom from scratch on his patio. Following Jeanette’s passing in 2010, Leonard remarkably maintained his independent home in South Holland until 2026.

Leonard’s creativity never waned. Over the decades, his inventive spirit led him to design new types of engines and develop predictive tools for lottery numbers. Demonstrating his remarkable spirit, at the age of 90 he took up building model airplanes. Meticulously gluing and painting until he was 98, he crafted over 30 exquisite planes, proudly displaying them in his beloved sunroom.

In his later years, Leonard was deeply blessed by wonderful neighbors and friends who assisted him in countless ways. He cherished visits and loved getting out of the house, even for a simple trip to the store. Though physical challenges with mobility arose in his nineties, Leonard faced every obstacle with an inspiring, uncomplaining positive attitude.

Leonard leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, curiosity, and hands-on craftsmanship that will forever live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

A Committal Service for Leonard is scheduled for Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 11:00 am, at The Holy Sepulcher Catholic Cemetery in Alsip, Illinois. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 am.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of Leonard J. Lizen. 423-282-1521.