Leonard “Len” Joseph Mlejnek
Leonard “Len” Joseph Mlejnek, 85, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL, formerly of Cleveland, OH, passed away Sunday, July 31, 2022 in North Fort Myers. He was born on July 1, 1937 in Cleveland to Joseph and Anna Mlejnek, both deceased.
Len graduated Cathedral Latin High School, Cleveland, OH in 1955. He then attended Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA for music education and graduated in 1959. Len served his county in the US Army and was honorably discharged in February of 1961. He had a long career in transportation/warehouse management ending in 1999 when he retired from American Greetings Corp.
He was a consummate percussionist, all his adult life. Along with the standard drum kit, he played and wrote music for Timpani, Xylophone, Marimba, Chimes, Cymbals, Bells etc. If it was a percussion instrument, he could play it. Musical genres he enjoyed playing included small combo bands, “The Suns” and “The Lenny Mills Orchestra.” Larger Regional orchestras he played in included the Pittsburgh Symphony of Pittsburgh, PA and the West Side Philharmonic of Cleveland, OH. Specialty groups included the German American Society Band “Hafenkapelle” based in Cape Coral, FL and the Dixieland Jazz band, “The Tamiami Tailgators”.
Len enjoyed bowling and golf and was in leagues of each sport for decades, giving them up only when he was physically unable to continue. He never met a stranger, loved dogs and had an optimistic enthusiasm for life that he embraced until the end.
He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Mlejnek of North Fort Myers, FL; son, Raymond Mlejnek (Melanie), daughter, E. Anastasia White; and grandson, Robert Mlejnek.
Len was preceded in death by his first wife of 43 years, Patricia (Patty) Johnson; and second wife of 9 years, Elsa Jean Vanderzyden-Brown.
A celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at First Presbyterian Church, 2438 Second St, Fort Myers, FL 33901. There will not be a reception to follow.
Contributions in memory of Len Mlejnek are suggested to Brookes Legacy Animal Rescue, PO Box 990255, Naples FL 34116 https://www.brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org/about_us
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with his final care.
Anastasia & family – Although I only met your father, Len, once on his visit to Washington a few years ago, I was impressed by his outgoing and optimistic nature! You were so lucky to have him as your father! He led a full life and will be missed by all! I love you 💜. Pat
Barbara, we are so sorry to hear of Lenny’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the family.
I knew Lennie from Swan Lake. I met him when he said he would play in our annual talent show. He was always happy and friendly and we would joke about his “orange” house. Our park will miss him and his talent.
Ours hearts go out the family for your loss. Lenny was a kind and loving man and a good husband to our sister.
Barb, we will truly miss Lenny. He was such a wonderful man. Our thoughts and prayers go to you and family.
Barb, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. We’re so glad you had this wonderful time together.
Grandma, I am so sorry to hear this news. Lenny was such a loving man, and I loved seeing how much he cared for you. I am so grateful to have met him. All my love to you and all of Lenny’s family.
Sorry for your loss I played with Len in the g band for a long time always enjoyed having him there he will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lenny and his family
Len’s friendship and musicianship will long be remembered. I enjoyed the opportunity of playing several gigs with him. He was a great storyteller, too.
Dear Barb, my condolences. You two were quite the couple.
I enjoyed listening to Lenny tell me his stories of his music career.
We will surely miss him.
Praying for God’s love, to heal your heart.
Love and peace, Shirley Green