Leon Natzke

Leon was born November 9, 1926, the youngest of nine children to Leo and Anna Natzke in the Northwest side of Chicago.  Growing up the youngest of nine children during the depression years, he developed a greater appreciation for family support.  He contributed most of his earnings and made the annual trip to his aunt’s farm in Michigan to can fruits for the long winters. 

He followed his brother and friends into the merchant marines, and served for 19 months. Upon returning home, he pursued a life of a farmer in Middle Inlet, Wisconsin, near Crivitz.  He raised pigs and grew various crops.  Unfortunately, a fire destroyed the buildings moving him back to Chicago, however he always said he could have lived there the rest of his life.

Lee was never one to be discouraged and after he returned to Chicago, he worked as a   plasters apprentice for Luczak Plastering on Elston Avenue.  With demand slowing for plastering, he converted his skills and unmatched determination to the mechanical insulation industry, working as a pipe coverer.  Never satisfied, he wanted ownership so he and a partner, bought the company in 1959.  They grew Arnold Insulation into one of the premier companies   supporting the development of Chicago.

He met the woman of his dreams in 1947, Catherine Bolla.  He spotted her at a party, doing of all things, washing dishes.  He just could not take his eyes off that beautiful red hair and they later married on September 16, 1950.  Which also happens to be Catherine’s birthday….how romantic!.  They started a family on Keystone Avenue with three girls. Donna, Janice and Cathy.  He loved spending time taking them to the office on Sundays, getting White Castle sliders.  As the business and family grew, they relocated to Glenview and built his dream house. In 1965 his right-hand man / hunting and fishing partner, “Paul Lee Guy” was born.  

His favorite moments were with his family especially during summers in Lake Geneva. He had the barbecue going all week end with plenty of locally grown sweet corn.  

His legacy includes being an avid hunter, fisherman and all-around outdoorsman.  He enjoyed his many trips the most, when his son Paul joined him, and later with his sons-in-law and grandchildren.  He invested in hunting property in Black River Falls Wisconsin in 1987 to carry on his love and passion to the legacy to the next generations.  

In his later years, he spent most of time in Lake Geneva with his bride and the rest of the family.  He never wavered from doing things his way and took pride knowing that his family was together.  His successes and lessons passed down will be treasured forever.  

He looked forward to his reunion with his son Paul.  He is survived by his wife, Catherine, Daughters Donna (Kurt), Janice (Steve), Cathy (Jeff); grandkids Eric, Matthew, Emily, Steven, James, Michael, Catherine, Cara, Michael, and Kate.  8 great grandchildren and 2 more on the way.  He will meet us at the pass.  Adios amigos.  Saturday, March 12 10:30 pm

He was preceded in death by his beloved son Paul, granddaughter Anna and his father and mother, and 8 siblings.

Services for Leon will be held on Friday August 5th, 2022 at 11:00am at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Lake Geneva.  

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy the family has asked that you make a donation in Leon's name to St. Judes Children's Research Hospital.  A link has been provided below.

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Derrick Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family of Leon Natzke.

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