Leonard Gaiovnik passed away Monday, Nov. 5, 2018 at the age of 83. He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota to Alphonse and Mathilda Gaiovnik. He was the fifth of six children.
In St. Paul, Leonard attended St. Luke's grade school, Cretin High School and St. Thomas College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in history. A Korean War veteran, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1953 to 1956 and earned the rank of sergeant.
Leonard married Jean Gremmels on Aug. 26, 1959 at St. Columba church in Durango. He was employed by Univac in St. Paul and by the U.S. Postal Service in Durango. He was a member of the American Legion Unit 28, VFW Post 4031 and Elks Lodge No. 507, where he served in various offices.
Leonard is survived by his wife Jean, daughters Linda (Kevin) Flohr of Glenwood Springs, Carol (Michael) Carlson of Rio Rancho, N.M., Ann Gaiovnik (Bud Andersen) of Durango, and son Leonard C. Gaiovnik, also of Durango, as well as grandchildren Sean, Michael, Kevin, Nicholas, Caleb, Brandee, Michael, Cyd and Shelby.
Funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 10 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 254 E. Fifth Avenue. Burial at Greenmount Cemetery will follow the mass, with a reception at VFW Post 4031 following. Donations may be made to the charity of your choice or the American Legion, VFW, or the Veterans Committee or Handicapped Access Fund at the Elks Lodge.
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Heartfelt condolences to the Gaiovnik family. I worked with Len for many years at the P.O. He was a wonderful person..
Richard Gillam
December 11, 2018
Sincere condolences to the Gaviovnik Family. God Bless Kathy Romero
Kathy Romero
November 14, 2018
Jean and family
Jean, Tony and I send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. May he rest in peace. God Bless you all. Sincerely,
Tony and Mary Barela
Erie, Colo.
November 12, 2018
Our favorite Marine! You will be greatly missed Linny
My prayers go out to his family~
I am so sorry for your loss!
May you have a Blessed Beautiful day!
Barbara Woolsey
November 12, 2018
Dearest Jean and Family,
My deepest sympathy for your loss.
Leonard was always so kind and I will miss him.
My love to you all,
Patty Dougherty
November 9, 2018
Best brother in law EVER!!!!
Charley
November 8, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jean, Lenny's family and friends. Let it be comforting to know, you now have an angel up in heaven, looking down from above. Rest in Peace Lenny, you were a wonderful man. God Bless.
Our Deepest Sympathy,
Richard & Mary Lynn Haviland
Mary Lynn Haviland
November 8, 2018
My thoughts and prayers go out to Lenny's family and friends. What an incredible kind and caring man who loved unconditionally and gave all he could to help others. Rest In Peace Lenny and watching sporting events will never be the same.
Sue Alsum
November 8, 2018
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