Leonard William Mainzer
December 16, 1927 ~ February 23, 2021
Leonard William Mainzer, devoted husband, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away and joined his departed wife, Shirley Marie Mainzer, on February 23, 2021. Leonard was born on December 16, 1927, the youngest of three children to Edna and Peter Mainzer in Chicago, Illinois. He completed high school and some college before being drafted to serve in the Japanese occupational forces during World War II. After the war he returned to Chicago where he met and married his wife, Shirley Marie Raczka. The two started a family in the early 1950’s, but seeking a better life and more opportunity, they moved from Chicago to Wichita in 1955. His career in Wichita encompassed successes in sales, purchasing and eventually as a small business owner and founder of Trinity Press. Leonard spent his retirement traveling, visiting his family, and playing with his grandkids. He was a peaceful, loving man known for his quick wit and love of football. He could be found many days of the week watching the NFL channel keeping tabs on his favorite quarterback, Tom Brady.
Leonard was married to Shirley for 65 years until her passing on July 7, 2016. During that time, they had 7 children: Fr. Jim, Tom, (deceased 2006), Linda, Cindy, Mark, Dave, and Mike. Leonard and Shirley’s welcomed in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren into the family to include:
● Paul Goodwin married to Cindy with children Matt married to Jessica (Olberding) with children Elise and Grayson, Michelle married to George Sponsel with children Tyler and Max, and Andy committed to Cait Eisenhauer;
● Jeannie (Patterson) married to Mark with children Alyssa, Brenna married to Neal Krajicek, Collin and Danielle;
● Jolene (Axman) married to Dave with children Jesse engaged to Breanne Pendray, Teresa, and Joanna;
● Karen (Young) married to Mike with children Bennett, Stella, and Zach.
The Rosary will be 7:00 pm, Sunday, February 28 with Funeral Mass on Monday, March 1 at 11:00 am. Both services will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church. Memorials have been established at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 861 N. Socora, Wichita KS 67212 and Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church, 54 West Main Street, Baltic, CT 06330. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.
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Rest Leonard, until you hear at dawn, the low, clear reveille of God. Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army.
I don’t really have a specific memory of Len, but rather more of an observation about the man and the family. Faith, family and work, in that order, pretty well defined the man. He loved the Catholic faith and that permeated over into his family. I had the pleasure of working with Tom and Mark and Linda directly, and by extension, Dave, and Len’s wife, Shirley. All I can say is that the mannerisms of his family surely had to come from the top–that being Len and Shirley. I can only imagine Tom and Shirley welcoming Len to a joyous reunion in a heavenly home.
During my working days, I had many vendors call on me and Len Mainzer is one I remember. He was always so pleasant and delivered great service and follow up any time I placed orders with him. – Marty Berg