Pfc Leon R. Karwacki, United States Army,

Of Milwaukee, gave his life in service to his country during World War II. He was born on November 26, 1916, the beloved son of Carl and Mary Karwacki.

Pfc. Karwacki served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 36th Armored Infantry Regiment, 3rd Armored Division. He was killed in action on September 17, 1944, near Mausbach, Germany, during heavy fighting as American forces advanced through the Siegfried Line. For his sacrifice, he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and other campaign honors recognizing his service in Europe. He was 27 years old at the time of his passing.

For many years, his final resting place was unknown. Following the war, his remains could not be positively identified and were interred as unknown in Europe. Through the tireless efforts of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, his remains were exhumed and identified using dental records, anthropological analysis, and DNA comparison with surviving family members. More than 80 years after his passing, Pfc. Karwacki has finally been brought home to Milwaukee.

He will be laid to rest with full military honors, surrounded by the gratitude of his family, his community, and a nation that will never forget his sacrifice at a graveside committal service on Wednesday, September 10th, 2025 at St. Adalbert Cemetery, 3801 S. 6th Street, Milwaukee, at 11:00AM. The family deeply appreciates the efforts of the staff from Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes for their assistance in returning Leon to Milwaukee.