Leon Pachowitz

Leon Francis Pachowitz, 74, of New Berlin, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025. A devoted husband, brother, stepfather, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Leon’s life was defined by his love of family, personal integrity, his resilient demeanor, and tough work ethic.

Born on November 13, 1950, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Leon was the youngest of three children born to John and Regina (née Ostapowski) Pachowitz. Raised in a strong Polish family, Leon often recalled helping his dad at his parents’ bar, gobbling down his mother’s Polish cooking, and embarking on numerous fishing and hunting adventures with his dad and brother. He loved competition and thrived playing football, basketball, and baseball.

Leon attended Milwaukee’s Pius XI Catholic High School (Class of 1969). His experience at Pius was instrumental in shaping his future. As a three-sport varsity athlete in football, basketball, and baseball, his persistence, strong work ethic, and desire to win were contributing factors to both his and his teammates’ success. Leon proudly recalled his time on the field as part of Pius’ 1968 Conference Championship football and baseball teams.

Leon’s contributions to Pius athletics extended beyond his high school graduation, serving as a football and wrestling coach for over 10 years, and later on the school’s Board of Directors. His Pius commitment culminated when Leon started and managed the Optimist Charity Classic tournament that provided an opportunity for young women to develop and showcase their basketball skills for ten years.

Leon attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he graduated with a degree in Criminal Justice. Befitting his competitive nature, Leon pursued a career in commercial real estate, owning, managing, and later developing numerous apartment buildings. He took pride in providing his renters with an affordable place to call home, as well as the challenge of finding the best deal on the market. His career not only allowed him to support his family but also brought him many lasting friendships and joy.

Leon had a passion for the outdoors. He was an enthusiastic and accomplished hunter and fisherman. These pastimes took him across the continent in pursuit of elk, deer, walleye, and crappies. Beyond the thrill of the perfect shot or catch, Leon relished the fellowship of his hunting and fishing partners. The annual trips to Door County as part of the Walleyes Unlimited USA club were some of his most cherished memories.

On February 6, 1987, after 36 years of bachelorhood, Leon married the love of his life, Susan (née Kardian) at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Milwaukee. Akin to his love of challenges, he helped Susan raise and care for her four teenage children. His patience may have been tested by the teens, but his love for them was obvious.

He was always available to coach his children through most situations and provide them with the wisdom on how to move forward after a mistake. At the end of the day, Leon never gave up on his belief that his family could achieve whatever they wanted in life, as long as they were willing to work hard.

Leon and Susan’s children provided him with his pride and joy: 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He doted on them and entertained them for hours with his magic tricks, story hours, and exaggerated fishing tales. Weekends were spent sneaking into movie theaters for a double feature with overflowing tubs of popcorn and pockets full of candy and hosting living room dance parties to the tunes of Warren Zevon, Bob Seger, and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Throughout their marriage, Leon and Susan delighted in the beauty of Bonita Springs, Florida. Leon enjoyed Florida fishing and blamed a bad day on “Doc,” the egret that stole his bait. More than a vacation, at Bonita Beach, they found a second family with many lasting friendships and memories. The family joined them at their home-away-from-home frequently and shared in the beauty and relaxation.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, John and Regina (née Ostapowski), and his brother, Steve. He is survived by his sister, Janet Hall, sister-in-law Mary Pachowitz, his nieces and nephews: Tim, John (Jean), and Greg (Rhonda) Pachowitz, Lynn (Brian) McLeod, Everett Pachowitz, Jr., Susan (Mark) VanHoeij, and Phil (Sarah) Hall; his four stepchildren, Julie (Steve) Reznack, Kimberly Behnke, David Pachowitz, and Michele (Robert) Griffin; his twelve grandchildren: Jonathan Reznack (Sara Feustel-Weigel), Joshua Reznack, Kyle Swofford, Katelyn Mitchell (Justin), Kristin Swofford, Daniel Pachowitz, Elijah Pachowitz, Madeline Griffin, Jacob Griffin, Eleanor Griffin, and Ryan Griffin; and his two great-grandchildren: Bradyn Weigel and Parker Reznack

Throughout his life, Leon will always be remembered for his devotion to his family, loyal demeanor, and enthusiasm for life. His legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the cardiac and palliative care teams at Froedtert Hospital for their compassionate care during Leon’s health journey.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at the Polish Center of Wisconsin, 6941 South 68th Street, Franklin, Wisconsin from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Leon’s honor to Pius XI Catholic High School, Pius XI Giving.