Leonard J. Masilionis

Leonard Joseph Masilionis, 83, of Topeka, died June 25th, 2016 at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City.  He was born August 15th, 1932 in North Chicago, Illinois to George and Mary Ann Masilionis, both immigrants from Lithuania. He enjoyed playing with his two older brothers and sister along with neighborhood friends through pick-up games of stickball and baseball. As a teenager, he honed his love of golf as a caddy and playing in his spare time while also enjoying fishing with his father on Lake Michigan. After graduating from Waukegan Township High School, he joined the Air Force which, by fortune, brought him to Forbes Air Force Base in Topeka where he met the love of his life, Margaret Foster, at a Knights of Columbus dance. After a military assignment overseas, and upon returning to Topeka, they were married on May 21, 1955. Following his duties being stationed in El Paso, Texas, they settled in Topeka, where Leonard built a long-standing career in engineering at Kiene and Bradley Design Group followed by the State of Kansas Architectural Services Group. During his weekends, he continued his duty to his country with an extended stay with Kansas Air National Guard. Leonard, a detail perfectionist at heart, had a passion for design, engineering and construction which he showcased in his everyday work life. He also developed his skills on his own home and the homes of his relatives, where he developed a strong connection with his brother-in-law, John Palma. Spending time with his family was one of his great joys by coaching his boys’ numerous sporting teams and teaching all his children math and science, always making time for them amidst his busy schedule. As his children became adults and started families of their own, he always led the charge on helping each of them on their endless home repairs, renovations and spending extensive quality time with each of his grandchildren, whom he blanketed with his never-ending tricks, jokes and playful banter. Leonard was a devoted member of Most Pure Heart of Mary Church; the American Legion Post #1; a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus and Council 534; and an Associate of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth and always found time to give to others as a longtime volunteer for Foster Cemetery, Let’s Help and St. Francis Health. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and their seven children: Mary (Bo) Sullivan, Kathleen (John) Bales, Bob (Julie), Matt (Rhonda), Dan (Brenda), Vince (Amy), Brian (Krista) and 18 grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister Isabel and his two brothers John and Joseph. Leonard will lie in state at Brennan Mathena in Topeka on Wednesday with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m.  James W. Gibbons Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Chalice Ceremony will begin at 6:30 p.m. followed by time with family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary. Interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Foster Cemetery Perpetual Care and Most Pure Heart Ministry to the Aging and sent in care of Brennan Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, KS 66603.


To view Leonard's Tribute Video, click the "Play" icon below:

<iframe id="tukios_player_512x330" allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="330" scrolling="no" src="https://www.tributeslides.com/videos/embedded_video/GQT7Y44JZ8SRW88S" width="512"></iframe>