May 31, 1946 – May 12, 2013

Leonard “Joe” Kula, 66, of La Crescenta died Sunday at Verdugo Hills Hospital in Glendale after a nearly two-year battle from a stroke and complications of pneumonia.

Mr. Kula, who worked in construction as a carpenter for more than 40 years, was born in Genoa, Nev. and grew up on a farm in nearby Silver Creek.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1964 to 1968 and settled in Sunland-Tujunga after his honorable discharge.

He was a member of American Legion Post 377 and was actively involved in Elks Lodge No. 2098. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards and cribbage with family and friends, and watching sports of all kinds, especially auto racing.

Visitation will be Friday, May 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Crippen Mortuary, 2900 Honolulu Ave., La Crescenta. Services are Monday, May 20 at 11 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 4625 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta.  Burial will follow.

Mr. Kula is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn; his son Timothy; his mother Helen; his sisters Alice Wunderlich and Frances Gablenz; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

For further information, contact Crippen Mortuary at (818) 249-6131.