Leslie Arthur Oszakiewski passed away on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at the age of 76.  After a few short months of battling cancer, he was called to heaven and is free from all pain and no longer suffering.  Les passed away with his family by his side.

Les was proceeded in death by his parents Arthur and Helen Oszakiewski, son-in-law William Jay Herring, and several family members.  He is survived by his wife, Sonia Oszakiewski.  Their three children Michelle Herring, Jeannette Conaway, Cathy and her husband Chet Rosson.  Three grandchildren, Brandon Conaway and his wife Aleksandra, Bailey Herring and Avery Herring. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law Mike and Beverlee Stepien and their family, as well as many more cousins and family members.

He was born in Chicago on April 24, 1947. He graduated from Gordon Technical Highschool in Chicago.  Les was then drafted into the army and served in both Korea and Germany during the Vietnam War.

He met his wife, Sonia Oszakiewski in 1972.  They married on August 8, 1975 and were happily married for 48 years.  They raised three girls together – Michelle Herring, Jeannette Conaway and Cathy Rosson.  He was a devoted husband and father, and loved attending school activities as well as planning many family vacations. He always prioritized his family first.

Les was a proud grandfather to Brandon Conaway, Bailey and Avery Herring.  He was lovingly referred to as "Dada" to all of the grandchildren, and to many of their friends.  Les happily volunteered to be the photographer and videographer for all of the grandchildren's sport activities.  He always had the loudest sideline voice.  He was deemed the coolest grandfather for entertaining Brandon's friends with roller coaster theme park vacations.  His grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Les obtained his associates business degree at Harper College.  He joined IBM in 1969 and developed a broad background in management administration for 24 years.  IBM moved the family from Chicago to Dallas, where they met lifelong friends and he developed a love for cooking through the gourmet club.

After retirement Les & Sonia moved to Houston and he continued to do contract work as a trainer, which helped fund their travel adventures.  He enjoyed traveling to Europe, Mexico, and Puerto Rico.  He loved to experience the local food, which he tried to replicate at home as he was an amazing chef.

Les had such a passion for hotdogs that he organized an annual "Chicago Hotdog Tour" complete with t-shirts for family and friends.  He applied to a contest and was officially awarded the "Southwest Hotdog Ambassador" by Wiener Warrior. In his loving memory, please never add ketchup to your hotdogs!

Les' faith was deeply rooted and unwavering.  He volunteered for many different church activities and attended daily mass.  He taught us to always put our faith in God.

If you wish to share pictures and your memories of Les, please contact his daughter Cathy Rosson at conawca@yahoo.com or 281-841-8367.

A celebration of his life will be held as follows:

Prince of Peace Catholic Church – 19222 Tomball Parkway, Houston, TX  77070

June 22, 2023 – 7:30pm Rosary and Prayer Vigil

June 23, 2023 – 10:30am Mass and Celebration

*Reception immediately to follow the service in the Church Community Center*

Houston National Cemetery  - 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX  77038

June 23, 2023 – 1:45pm Committal Service with Military Honors

In lieu of flowers – Please consider donating to one of the following organizations:

Prince of Peace Prayer Blanket Ministry

https://pophouston.org/prayerblankets

Wounded Warrior Project - Veterans Charity

https://woundedwarriorproject.org/

Let's Fight Cancer Together – MD Anderson Cancer Center

https://gifts.mdanderson.org