Chester "Chet" Frank Leppek

Mr. Chester “Chet” Frank Leppek, 101 of Parisville, passed away Tuesday, February25, 2020 after a short stay at the Huron County Medical Care Facility in Bad Axe.

            Chet was born on April 16, 1918 in Ruth son of the late Frank and Clara (Plevnia) Leppek. He married the love of his life, Martha on October 26, 1940. Together they shared a wonderful life for one week shy of 76 years. In 2016, they were recognized as being the longest married couple in this state by the Worldwide Marriage Encounter.

            Once married, Chet and Martha became parishioners at St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Isidore Parish in Parisville where he served as an usher and was also a member of the St. Isidore Men’s Club. Chet was a very active 3^rd Degree member of the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus Council #1546 for 59 years. You could always find Chet at any K of C event, especially their famous fish frys. Chet and Martha lived their dreams as hard working, successful farmers. Their faith, family and friends helped them through heartache of losing their first born, Nancy, in 1958 at the age of 16, due to a farming accident and then, in 2004 when their son, Tommy died of a heart attack. Nine years later, his wife Charlotte also passed away.

            Golf became Chet’s passion after he retired in 1983. He was proud of being the first honorary lifetime member of the Ubly Heights Golf and Country Club, having been chosen by unanimous vote of the board. Chester enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and working hard with Martha by his side for most of his 101 year journey on this earth. To think that now Chet will be in a place where he’ll reach all greens in regulation and every putt will fall.

            Chet is survived by one daughter, Carol (Richard) Diehl of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; one son, Douglas (Deborah) Leppek of Safford, Ariz.; 4 cherished grandchildren, Donna (Tim) Smith and Denise (James) Soldenski, both of Lapeer, Jared Leppek and Travis (Jenny) Leppek, both from the Bad Axe area; 6 cherished great grandchildren, Kenny (Danielle) Smith, Sam and Kate Soldenski, Matthew Leppek, Colton and Chloe Leppek. Chet was overwhelmed to welcome the newest, fifth generation family member last May when his great, great grandson, Gavin was born. Chet is also survived by twin sisters-in-law, the last of 11, Alice (Alger) Horetski of Port Austin and Agnes (Frank) Taylor of Ironton, Ohio.

            Chet was preceded in death by his there siblings and their spouses, Ty (Agnes) Mzyk and Ira (Anne) Leppek, one sister, Vivian (Clarence) Rumptz.

            Mass of Christian burial for Chet will be 11:00 am, Saturday, February 29 at St. Mary Catholic Church, St. Isidore Parish in Parisville. Chet’s final resting place will be next to his beloved wife, Martha, in St. Mary Cemetery.

            Visitation will be at the Zinger-Smigielski Funeral Home in Ubly on Friday from 2:00-9:00 pm and Saturday at St. Mary Church from 10:00-10:45 am. There will be a joint rosary recited Friday evening at 7:00 pm by the Bad Axe Knights of Columbus and St. Isidore Men’s Club.

            In lieu of flower, please consider making a donation to Chet’s family, care of his daughter, Carol. The donations will fund a future scholarship for a FFA member of Huron County            in Chet’s honor.