Leopold "Leo" Weiss Obituary (1924 - 2015)

Leopold “Leo” Weiss of Minnetonka, MN and Ft. Lauderdale, FL, a Holocaust survivor born in Drohobycz, Poland, passed away at age 90 on September 30, 2015. Preceded in death by his parents Solomon & Celia Weiss; brother, Phillip (Gertrude); sister, Erna (Herman) Kimmel; and most recently by his precious grandson, Jason Kuchinsky. Survived by loving wife, Evelyn; devoted children, Heather (Dr. Mark) Stesin, Shirlee (Dag Larsen) Weiss, and Dr. Sol (Deborah) Weiss; loving grandchildren, Marlee, Kenneth, Daniel and Maxime; brothers-in- law and sisters-in-law, Earl & Cheryl Barish, Sid & Frances Barish, Sally & Arnold Bookbinder; and many adoring nieces and nephews. One of the many people that Leo mentored described him as, “an amazing treasure to humanity.” Leo was a man who possessed a great will to live life to its fullest – with dignity, integrity, and strong moral convictions. He lived his life by example and impacted each and every person he met on his journey. As a husband and father, he was loving and wise. As a grandfather, he was playful and the ultimate teacher. As a business leader, he was successful and inspiring. And as a human being, he was the consummate counselor on life. He shared his great intellect, wisdom, insight, and incredible experiences with all those who were fortunate enough to meet him. Because of his wartime experience witnessing the annihilation of his community, Leo made it his mission in life to educate young people and others about what it means to respect peoples’ differences and show compassion for all human beings. Leo’s family was one of the few that survived the Holocaust intact. Although they were separated during the war, they reunited and immigrated to Winnipeg, Canada in 1948. Leo met and married his cherished wife Evelyn in 1950. Together, Leo & Evelyn shared 65 years of marriage, raised three children, and explored the world. Leo came to Canada with no language, no home, and no job. Seeking a life similar to his pre-war years, he educated himself and joined London Life Insurance Company. During his career with London Life, he earned great accolades as the top salesman across Canada, ultimately becoming a highly regarded regional manager. Shortly after his retirement, Leo & Evelyn moved to Minneapolis. Leo mentored children in schools, community education programs, and churches and synagogues. He always left a lasting impression with all those whom he encountered, and ended each presentation with a hug for every student. His legacy of love, respect, and pursuit of one’s own potential will live on with his children, grandchildren, and all whom he mentored. The family wishes to thank Dr. M. Nicholas Burke for his outstanding medical care and his dedication to sustaining Leo’s quality of life. Funeral services were held in Winnipeg on October 7. A memorial service and Shiva will be held 7PM SUNDAY, Oct 11th at ADATH JESHURUN CONGREGATION, 10500 Hillside Lane W, Minnetonka, MN, and at 7PM Monday at the Stesin home. A fund has been established in Leo’s memory at the Jewish Community Relations Council: Minnesota & the Dakotas; Leo Weiss Holocaust Education Fund www.minndakjcrc.org. Memorials may also be directed to: Adath Jeshurun Congregation or Marlee Stesin or Kenneth Stesin Genesis Mitzvah Funds at the Minneapolis Jewish Federation. LINK TO LISTEN TO THE FUNERAL SERVICE IS: http://1drv.ms/1LIJWwS