Leo Surprenant

Leo Surprenant was born February 14, 1949, in Kankakee, Illinois, and died May 16, 2012, in Shawnee, Kansas. Leo was the eldest of 11 children born to Leonard and Rose Surprenant.

Leo was a Vietnam veteran, drafted into the Army in March 1969, he served with distinction and recognized valor as an Army Ranger with the 101st Airborne Division, safely returning to the U.S. after his tour of duty in October 1970. He worked as a Union laborer and foreman in Illinois, Hawaii and Kansas. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, baking and helping his family and neighbors. He was a funny, fierce, loving man with an indomitable spirit. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by two daughters, Kristine Surprenant of Kankakee, Illinois and Shani Harshbarger of Frankfort, Illinois; son, Leo "Bo" Surprenant; three grandchildren, Alyssa Surprenant of Chico, California, Giorgiana Kolokythas of Frankfort Illinois, and Mason Surprenant of Manteno, Illinois; ex-wife Pat Surprenant; his lifetime friend Patti Keigher; 10 siblings, Annmarie Surprenant (and husband Alan North) of Hebron, Kentucky, Gene Surprenant (and wife Bonnie) of Hebron, Kentucky, Leonard Surprenant of Denver, Colorado, Zita Surprenant (and husband JB Moore) of Shawnee Kansas, Dominic Surprenant (and wife Jennifer) of Los Angeles, California, Martin Surprenant (and wife Cathy) of Hebron, Kentucky, Bill Surprenant of South Yarmouth, Massachusetts, Therese Surprenant (and husband Bob Sitko) of Austin, Texas, Lester Surprenant of Winn, Louisiana and Joel Surprenant of Portland, Oregon; nieces and nephews: Morgan and Brittany Moore, Christopher and Adrian North, Jason and Austen Sitko, Jake, Juliana and Jenna Surprenant, Zita, Lexa and Luc Surprenant, Ladd Surprenant, Eryn and Alena Surprenant, and Gene "Bub" Surprenant.

The family will hold a memorial for Leo in Shawnee, Kansas, in September. Friends are invited to contact his sister Therese at theresesurprenant@yahoo.com for information.