Leonard Montello (81) of Effingham, formerly of Joliet
Published on February 21 2023 8:46 am
Leonard “Lenny” Montello, 81 of Effingham, formerly of Joliet, died February 19, 2023, after a battle with neuroendocrine lung cancer.
A prayer service will be held at 3:00 pm Friday, February 24, 2023 at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham with visitation to follow until 6:00 pm. Memorial donations may be given to the Effingham County Humane Society or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Lenny was born in Joliet, IL on August 31, 1941 to Notlee and Pearl (Witkin) Montello. He married Jane Bolton on August 1, 1998, after 3 years of dating and 3 years engaged. They were blessed to have 30 wonderful years together. When asked if they were married, someone said they didn’t think they were married because they were “too happy to be married.”
Lenny worked on the railroad as a carman for 20 years at the EJ&E Railroad in Joliet and for 10 years at various intermodals for TTX, a railcar pooling company. He also worked as a cable installer for a number of years.
Lenny was a wonderful, creative dancer, especially waltzing. He and Jane could be found any weekday or weekend dancing wherever local classic country bands were playing. They went to Nashville every October just to dance. Their life together started on the dance floor and one day they will dance together again.
He was also a good horseshoe pitcher, playing in leagues and tournaments in Effingham, Shelbyville, and Casey. Lenny competed in the World Horseshoe Tournament in Montgomery, AL in 2016 and placed 5th in his class.
He would tell you he LIKED classic country music, John Wayne movies, Chinese buffets, and life on Lake Sara, but he LOVED his four sons and Jane. Lenny could best be described as “He had a good heart and made life fun.” He will be greatly missed and have a special place in the hearts of those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife Jane; four sons, Michael (Miriam) Montello, Rodney Montello, Anthony (Sue) Montello, Erick Montello (partner, Sherry Sexton); grandson, Danny Dietz; brother, Stephen; numerous nieces and nephews; best friend, Mark (Carol) Myers; former wife, Sharon (nee Ferguson) Becker; and his adoring boxer dog, Stryker.
Lenny was preceded in death by his parents; good friend, Henry Bryan; and his beloved dogs, Leeshaw and Rooster.