Leonard "Len" John Voss

Leonard John Voss died on Oct. 9, 2025 one day after his 102nd birthday.  Born on Oct. 8, 1923 in Cicero, IL, to Arthur and Catherine Ciros Voss, he grew up second of six brothers and one sister.  He served in the U.S. Army Signal Corp during WWII in Burma and China attached to the British 14th Infantry Regiment. An excellent shot, he achieved top ratings with every firearm he handled.  During training, Len and two others shattered the Obstacle Course records.  They performed numerous demonstrations of their skills and were written up by the Army Times.

He married his beloved Jo Ann Kathleen Willis on Oct. 23, 1948 in Brookfield, IL.  A former teacher and talented quilter, she predeceased him in 2015.  His children, Beverly Ryan and Leonard James Voss, four grandsons, Adam and Galen Kerasotes and L.J. and Vincent Voss, and a great-grandson, Nicholas Kerasotes, survive him.  A second son, Billy, died in infancy.

An Industrial Engineer, Len spent his entire working life at Western Electric. He served his community in multiple ways, rising to president of the Westchester IL School Board and Commandant of the Downers Grove IL American Legion Post.  He kept fit with golf and bowling, earning trophies. When Western Electric held November shooting contests, he always brought home the Thanksgiving turkey.

Upon retirement, Len and Jo Ann moved to Florida where he continued to enjoy golfing even scoring two holes-in-one. He devoted his later years to attending felony court sessions at the Moore Justice Center.  He developed an interest in the law after attending the murder trial of a neighbor.  Len maintained binders with details of multiple cases at his fingertips.  Reporters often consulted him.  Judges, attorneys, and courthouse staff all greeted him warmly.  Only the Covid closing of the courthouse kept him away.  When his 100th birthday neared, courthouse staff secured him a seat on a Space Coast Honor Flight.  Retired Judge David Dugan acted as Len’s guardian for the trip.  The oldest honoree by 10 years, Len relished the adventure, proclaiming his 100th his “best birthday ever”.

Len remained active and independent driving and shopping for himself.  He greatly enjoyed watching YouTube videos and

movies until a final short illness required a move to assisted living.  The staff at Zon Beachside and VITAS Hospice made his last days as comfortable as possible.  After a long, productive, and interesting life, Len now joins his beloved Jo Ann again.

A Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at Ascension Church on Oct. 30 at 1 pm.