Leo R. Katzenstein

Leo R. Katzenstein, 72, of Springfield, previously of Naperville, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Manhattan, New York on July 15, 1953, the son of William and Thea (Schustak) Katzenstein and they preceded him in death. He married Brenda L. Stickney on June 1, 2012, and she survives.

Also surviving are his six children: Andrea Katzenstein (Noah Ruchala) of Glen Ellyn, Michael (Valerie) Katzenstein of Algonquin, Darl (Allison) Young of Murphysboro, Jessica (Tim) Haacke of Chatham, Katie (Mark) Patton of Springfield, and Billy (Caitlyn) Weiss of Springfield; fourteen grandchildren, Iris Katzenstein, Genevieve Katzenstein, Garrett Speith, Victoria Young, Colten Haacke, Ashtyn Haacke, Tatum Haacke, Torry Kistner, Jackson Patton, Van Patton, Gevie Patton, William Weiss, Amelia Weiss, and Miles Weiss; and sister, Ranee Katzenstein of Los Angeles, CA.

Leo was born Jewish and was later baptized on April 11, 2009 at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago. He was a man of deep faith and a devoted member of Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Leo received his undergraduate degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, earned a doctorate from The University of Chicago in 1981, and worked as a computer programmer. He retired in 2008 to become a math instructor at Colorado Technical University. Leo loved working on his computer, no matter the task. Poppi Leo was always happy to help with math homework. He was devoted to his family and was a profoundly kind and generous man.

Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, with Reverend Brian Alford officiating. A burial will follow at Chatham Memorial Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Hospital or Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

Share stories & photos at StaabObituary.com

“Professional Responsibility” protects the daily obituary. LocalObituary.com and the Authorized Licensed Funeral Provider “Thank You for Helping.”

Notice

To the extent allowed under State law, the decedent’s name, image and likeness are protected under this State’s Right of Publicity laws and should not be reproduced, copied, distributed, republished, or otherwise displayed for commercial purposes unless specifically authorized.

An Important Message

Certified Obituary Services^SM, A Social Enterprise^SM, is a Sustainable, Interdependent & Effective Partnership among State, National & International Funeral Director Associations, Professional Affiliates, and Newspapers, Facilitated by your Local Funeral Home.

LocalObituary.com, a Quality Brand Service Mark^SM, is active as a vital community service available only through your Local Funeral Home.

Other Quality Brand Service Marks^SM, pending development, will soon connect the Local Community with Caring Professionals.

Active Development 
Community Service
Local Obituary^SM
Pending Development 
Community Service
iGrieve^SM
Local Counselor^SM
Asset Confidential^SM
Please Find Her^SM
Please Find Him^SM
The Perpetual Light^SM
Local Pet Obituary^SMLocal Pet Counselor^SM
My Newspaper Daily^SM
My Newspaper Weekly^SMDaily Flip Newspaper^SMWeekly Flip Newspaper^SMPending Development 
Funeral Provider Service
Your SEO Ally^SMObituary IT Support^SM