Leroy "Lee" John Lerchen Jr.

April 5, 1939 - January 10, 2022

Leroy “Lee” John Lerchen Jr. passed away in Gilbert, Arizona on January 10th, 2022. Lee was born on April 5th, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Dorothy and Leroy Sr. and was raised in New Lenox, Illinois from the time he was four years old. Lee was the consummate older brother to his siblings Ronald, Alana and Mary Pat.
Lee attended Joliet Catholic High School and graduated in the Class of 1957. Lee constantly strived to create a better life for himself and those he loved. He joined the Air Force in 1958 because of his interest in flying and became a medic.
After Lee was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1962, he married Stephanie Davis on July 21st, 1962. In 1963, Lee joined the Park Forest Police Department. Lee attended numerous police training courses at the University of Illinois and was elected the President of the Park Forest Police Association in 1970 and then promoted to Sergeant in 1971.
In 1966, Lee and Stephanie had a daughter Robin Anne. Lee and Stephanie divorced in 1980. Both parents were amicable and remained involved in their daughter’s life.
During these years Lee became an aviation instructor and charter pilot. Lee taught numerous people to fly both private and commercial planes at Wings Field in Richton Park, IL, Frankfort Airport in Frankfort, IL, and also at Chicago-Hammond Aviation in Lansing, IL. Lee also became the lead instructor of Aviation at Prairie State College. Many of Lee’s students became lifelong friends.
In addition to his full time work as a Policeman, part time work as an aviation instructor, Lee also became a Trustee for the Village of Olympia Fields, IL in 1983 continuing his commitment to the community and its people.
On October 8th 1983, Lee married Billie Williams after meeting at a social dinner and retired from the Park Forest Police Department in 1986.
When Lee was in his 50’s and living in Florida, he was looking for a new challenge and found Karate. He enrolled in a local school and went on to earn his black belt. Lee became very involved with the school and even offered free classes to a nearby home for developmentally disabled children.
After Lee and Billie moved to Arizona to be closer to her children, Lee was inducted into the Freemasons, following in his father’s footsteps. Lee’s goal was to achieve the highest success in whatever endeavor he undertook, and he most certainly succeeded!
Lee is survived by his first wife Stephanie, current wife Billie, daughter Robin, stepchildren Steven, Scott and Laura, grandchildren Connor, Cady, Cooper, Tucker, Hunter, Ryleigh, Max, Kristin, Jax, great-grandchildren Adelyn and Allie as well as his siblings Ronald, Alana and Mary Pat.
A memorial service will be held at Maplewood Cemetery in New Lenox on May 21st at 11 AM.