Leon W. Valencic

Leon “Poppy” Valencic, age 83, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2020. He was born on February 2, 1937, to Leopold and Ivana Valencic. Leon was a first-generation American gaining his education from Good Shepherd Grade School and Macomber High School where he graduated in 1955. He attended the University of Toledo where he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Leon was a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Ohio as well as a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers where he served as the Chairman of the Toledo Chapter. In addition to these accomplishments, he also held six U.S. patents. He was employed by Dana Corp. for 35 years and retired as the Director of Engineering. Leon was a member of the Oregonian Club, where he served a term as President, a member of the Stone Oak Home-Owner Association, serving as President, a member of Stone Oak Country Club, and a member of the Siesta Dunes Condo Association, serving a term as President. Leon was firm in his beliefs and always open to sharing his thoughts. Education and lifelong learning was something he encouraged and practiced in his daily life. He made a family-famous spaghetti pasta sauce that he shared with many and truly embodied his beliefs that “family is first and always” and “family is everything.” Leon traveled extensively throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia for business and with “the love of my life,” his wife Carlene. Building was a passion of his and he has built five houses. He also owned Copper Cove apartment complex. He enjoyed playing golf at Stone Oak Country Club and loved living on Hole 11 of the course. He also enjoyed bowling and competed in power weightlifting until his family grew and became his priority. Leon and his continuous thoughtful advice will be dearly missed by all of the lives he touched including family, many friends, and the community. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his daughter, Sandy (Valencic) Scott and many friends. He is survived by his sister, Anna (Valencic) Davis, his beloved wife of 60 years, Carlene (Bass) Valencic, daughter Sue “Susie” (Valencic) Reeves, son-in-law, Spencer Reeves, daughter Jeannie (Valencic) Anderson, son Dan Valencic, nephew Paul Davis, nephew Alan Davis, granddaughter, Valen (Anderson) Singerman, grandson-in-law, Zack Singerman, granddaughter, Victoria Anderson and fiancé Dustin Saeb, granddaughter, Mackenzie Reeves, grandson, Collin Reeves, granddaughter, Addie Scott, grandson, Vincent Anderson, grandson, Alec Valencic and fiancé Kennedy Wyse, grandson, Cameron Reeves and girlfriend Chandler Ortman, grandson, Seth Valencic, granddaughter, Sheridan Scott, and granddaughter Trinity Valencic, “Thirteenth Grandchild,” Nick Nye, and great-granddaughter, Harper Saeb. Friends will be received Friday, November 19, 2021, from 4-8 p.m. at the Walker Funeral Home – Holland-Springfield Chapel, 7438 Airport Highway, Holland, OH. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, November 20, 2021, beginning at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5373 Main Street, Sylvania, OH. Interment will be private.