Leonard "Lenny" Edward Kotz

Leonard “Lenny” Edward Kotz, 78, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away on Thursday, April 30th, at home surrounded by his family after bravely facing a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Friends and family may visit from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Very Rev. Phillip Gibbs officiating. Military Honors will be accorded by the Marine Corps League. A private family inurnment will be held at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Dubuque.

Born on April 4th, 1948, in Dubuque, Iowa, to Celester and Dolores (Breitbach) Kotz, Lenny’s journey began with a spirit of service and adventure. After graduating from Dubuque Senior High School in 1966, he answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the Marine Corps from 1966 to 1969. As a Lance Corporal in the 3rd Marine Division, he served in Vietnam in 1967 to 1968, earning a Purple Heart for his courage and sacrifice. Len was honorably discharged as a Corporal in 1969.

Lenny’s adventurous spirit extended beyond the battlefield. In 1973, he married Diane A. (Ernst) Kotz at St. Joseph’s Church in Bellevue, embarking on a lifelong journey together. They raised two sons, Timothy Edward and Joseph Edward Kotz, who joined in the family’s exploration of life.

After dedicating 35 years to John Deere, Lenny embraced the great outdoors and community life with enthusiasm. Early mornings found him at his coffee club, followed by days filled with golfing, bowling, fishing, hiking at Swiss Valley, and neighborly camaraderie. A devoted fan of the New York Yankees and Indianapolis Colts, Lenny’s passions were as vibrant as his adventures.

He and Diane loved to travel to the Western states, exploring the majestic peaks of Teton National Park and the rugged beauty of Yellowstone National Park. Their travels also included the iconic Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota and the stunning vistas of Yosemite.

Lenny is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Diane; their two sons, Tim (Tracy) and Joe (Tiana) Kotz, both of Canton, GA; six grandchildren whose lives he enriched with stories and love—Tyler Edward Kotz, Bryce Edward Kotz, Jace Daniel Edward Kotz, Zachary Ryan Jameson, Austin Joseph Hantelmann, and Grace Mackenzie Wachter; and his siblings George (Kathy) Kotz, Diane (John) Tschiggfrie, and Denis (Anne) Kotz, along with brothers and sisters-in-laws Bill and Elaine VanderMuelen, Carla Ernst, Steve and Gale Ernst, and Carla Ernst Chumbley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Celester and Dolores; parents-in-law, Carl and Olivia Ernst; his brother, Duane Kotz; and his brother and sister-in-law, Dale Ernst and Gary and Carol Ernst.

The family extends deep gratitude to Jamie and Megan of Hospice of Dubuque, Dr. Mark Hermann, and Dr. Brian Moran for their compassionate care.

Semper Fidelis—once a Marine, always a Marine. Lenny’s adventurous spirit and unwavering loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.