Obituary of Louis Jerome Paleczny

Passed away peacefully at Waterloo Regional Health Network – Queen’s Blvd. Campus (formerly St. Mary’s General Hospital) on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 86.

Louie was the epitome of love, kindness, and generosity. A devoted and thoughtful husband to his soulmate, Janice, for 65 ½ years. A supportive, understanding, and fun-loving father — “the BEST DAD.” A curious and joyful Grampy/Poppy. A helpful, huggable uncle. A warm-hearted, loyal friend. And without question, the best-dressed hockey fan at the Waterloo Minor Hockey rink.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Janice (née Embro); his children:

• Willow Auswald (Loriann)
• Kathleen – Mike and Jakob Stankowitsch
• Lou – Jay and Piper Paleczny

Also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie and Alice Paleczny. Brothers-in-law, Gary Embro, Allan Hill and Warren Embro – and Warren’s wife, Elizabeth Embro.

Louie was predeceased by his cherished son Thomas Andrew, his parents Louis and Natalia Paleczny, and his seven sisters and their husbands:
Ann and Bob Tschirhart, Jenny and John Liszak, Angela and Walter Lis, Frances and Wilfred Miehm, Helen and Jack Shanahan, Amelia Evans, and Jeanette and Bob Pullin.
And his sisters-in-law – Carol Hill and Carol Embro.

Louie married his high school sweetheart, Janice, on October 24, 1959, after meeting at a Sacred Heart CYO dance. They began their life together in Kitchener, close to both their families who loved to gather for celebrations and big family meals. He loved to take Janice to dances in his baby blue 1953 Pontiac

He was a man of many roles — cub scout leader, Army Reservist, Rod & Gun Club member — and a hard-working tradesman. Louie worked hard to earn his plumber and pipefitter licenses It meant many hours of study after long days at work.  But he was determined to put in the time to ensure a lifelong career to support his family.

In 1973, Louie and Janice bought the Palace Gardens in Formosa, Ontario, moving closer to his job at Douglas Point. Formosa was a wonderful place to raise his family, and the 6-acre park was a dream come true.  It was a lot of work, but it was a labour of love for him and Janice.  Louie and Janice would love spending evenings on their veranda enjoying the quiet country air and reminiscing about their day. There was always a bon fire going at the Palace Gardens and many friends would gather on Saturday nights to roast marshmallows and hot dogs and sing campfire songs; on special occasions he would light up the night sky with fire works and sparklers. Palace Gardens was also the place for the beloved “Christmas in July” and legendary Paleczny croquet tournaments.  Louie always made everyone feel welcome.

A proud and active member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Louie sang in the choir every Sunday, helped run community and charitable events through the St. Joseph’s Aid Society and Lions Club.  He called BINGO every week for years, helped with community breakfasts, suppers and dances and ran the booth at the roller-skating rink. He had an unshakable commitment to service and community.

Louie balanced hard work with big fun. Whether heading to the Blue Mountain Slide Ride or Scenic Caves or the beaches close by (Port Elgin, Southampton and Wasaga Beach), he ensured his children enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. No trip to the lake was complete without picking up a bag of garbage and a bag of rocks before jumping in the lake or opening a picnic basket — a small lesson in responsibility before the fun began. There were many trips to KW to visit family, and a special long trip to Florida so the kids could go to Disney.  By far, Niagara Falls was his favourite destination. Louie & Janice travelled there at least twice a year, sometimes alone and sometimes with their grandchildren.  Many great memories for all.

In 1987, the family returned to Kitchener-Waterloo. In 1989, Louie eventually joined the Waterloo Region District School Board as a plumber, where he made lifelong friendships.  He always had a smile and something good to say to everyone he met. He made everyone else smile when the Board van pulled up with “Papa Smurf” in the passenger seat.

For 25 years, Louie and Janice embraced a passion for square dancing with the Beaus and Belles, traveling to local halls and even as far as St. Louis, Missouri. They met a fantastic group of dancers who became fast friends

Louie and Janice spent 14 years at their trailer in Grand Bend.  Campfires every night, sing songs, card games, board games and holidays at the beach with their grandson, Jakob.  Louie made bird houses and flower boxes out of discarded wood he collected on their way to Grand Bend.  He was never one to waste and never one to throw anything out.

Louie was one of the happiest retirees you ever met.  He loved every day he didn’t have to work.  In retirement, Louie & Janice drove their van to the East Coast and then the following year, to the West coast, soaking up the country they were proud to call home.

He enjoyed his days with Janice, playing all kinds of games to keep them sharp; on his own, he loved playing SLOTS and looking at Facebook on his iPad. He loved doing things with his hands and took to making crafts out of tiles, glass beads and treasures from the Thrift and Dollar store.  He gave his crafts to everyone.  And when friends and family had too many, he started giving them to strangers.  He made many people smile with his crafts and I’m pretty sure if you are reading this you have one … and if you don’t, we have one to give you :)

In the past few years, you could see him on his scooter (a gift from Uncle Bob), tearing up the bike paths between Manulife and Victoria Park.  He loved to explore and was amazed at all the places hidden from plain site these paths led to.

He remained active in St. Louis Parish in Waterloo and cherished his Sunday routine: 9:30 a.m. Mass, social hour, breakfast with Armend at the Dearborn, and afternoon games of Solo with Keith and Sharon and evening games of  Pinochle and Yahtzee with Willow, Uncle Bob, Bud and Uncle Ronnie.

Despite facing health challenges in the past year, Louie never lost his signature smile or warm heart. Surrounded by love and laughter, he remained endlessly grateful and good-natured.

He always had a positive attitude; a great man who believed right to the end—

"Every day you wake up is a good day”

Visitation will be held at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, on Monday, June 16, 2025, from 2pm-4pm and 7pm-9pm, with Parish Prayers taking place at 8:30pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Louis RC Church, 53 Allen St. E, Waterloo, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11am, with a reception immediately following in the Parish Hall. Interment to take place at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Breslau.

Condolences for the family and donations to the Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation and St. Vincent De Paul Society may be arranged through the funeral home at 519-745-8445 or via www.erbgood.com.