Leonard F. Jarecki, age 79, of Highland, IN passed away at his home on Thursday, October 20, 2016 after a long and courageous battle against lung disease. He was a retired local business owner. A gentle, good man of deep faith and inner strength. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He is survived by his cherished high school sweetheart, Jackie Buckley Jarecki, his wife of 56 years. Dearly loved sons who gave him comfort support and happiness: James Jarecki of Highland, IN and Jef (Juanita) Jarecki of Dyer, IN; grandchildren: Sgt. Tony Jarecki of Fort Hood, TX, Scott Jarecki of Chicago, IL and Jason (Tristan) Piercy of Highland, IN; three great grandsons; sister, Kathy (Rock) Stratman of Lexington, SC; brothers: Bill (Geri) Jarecki of Charlott, NC, Tom (Joanne) Jarecki of Gallatin, TN; sister-in-law, Teri Jarecki of Crown Point, IN. Preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Estelle Jarecki and brother, Bob Jarecki. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 with a Mass of Christian burial at 10:30AM at Our Lady of Grace Church, 3025 Highway Ave., Highland, IN with Rev. Edward J. Moszur officiating, burial at St. Edwards Cemetery, Lowell, IN. Friends may call at the Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Ave., Munster, IN for visitation on Monday, October 24, 2016 from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM; visitation at the church on Tuesday 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Leonard was born February, 24, 1937 in East Chicago, IN. Attended St. Stan's grade school where he was a faithful altar boy, he also played on their powerful football team and represented his school winning The Times newspaper spelling bee. He continued his education at Bishop Noll, University of Dayton, OH and St. Joseph Calumet College. He proudly served in the US Air force where he was an instructor in military communications. He had many other teaching opportunities throughout his career. He was a founding member of the Munster Jaycees and was honored as an outstanding young man of Indiana, a parishioner of Our Lady of Grace Church for 50 years. Each summer he grew a large garden, always wanted to have enough to share. He was an avid reader since childhood, loved music, sang almost everyday, he was a fan of old movies, the Bears and Notre Dame football. He enjoyed golfing and fishing with his family at the Lake Latonka cottage. He will always be our hero and loved beyond measure. In lieu of flowers contributions to Sister M. Giuseppe, Carmelite Home for Girls, 4840 Grasselli, East Chicago, IN 46312 or Father Blaney Share Foundation Rolling Prairie, IN 46377 or Our Lady of Grace School, Highland, IN 46322.