Leonard “Walleye Lenny” Adamek
July 30, 1950 - August 1, 2025
Leonard M. “Walleye Lenny” Adamek, age 75, of Lonsdale, peacefully passed away at St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee on Friday, August 1, 2025. Lenny was born on July 30, 1950, in New Prague to Myles L. and Lorraine (Flicek) Adamek. He grew up on his family’s farm in Webster and lived in Webster and Lonsdale his entire life.
Walleye Lenny was a graduate of New Prague High School and served in the U.S. Army and the Minnesota National Guard. He worked his entire adult life as a paving operator for McNamara Asphalt Paving and was active in the Forty-Niners Union. A past commander of the Lonsdale American Legion Post #586, Walleye Lenny also served twenty-four devoted years with the Lonsdale Volunteer Fire Department.
A passionate outdoorsman in his leisure time, you'd find him birdwatching, hunting, or gardening at the family farm. One of his greatest loves was ice fishing out of Brandt’s Resort on Mille Lacs Lake where he met one of his lifelong friends. Lenny and some friends were stranded in a major snowstorm on Mille Lacs Lake near Otto’s Resort, with no way to get off the lake. Lenny reached out to Jerry Brandt at the resort next door for help. Jerry successfully plowed them off the lake, and the two remained close friends for the rest of their lives, enjoying numerous turkey hunting trips and countless hours together in the fish house, always out of Brandt’s Resort. Another one of Lenny’s greatest joys was listening to KCHK radio, the only station he had playing 24/7.
Lenny had a very outgoing and friendly personality, with one of his greatest passions being playing polka music. He performed with the Billy Bartusek Orchestra for many years and, more recently, with the Charlie Sticha Band. Lenny’s optimistic and happy personality was infectious, making everyone smile and laugh at family and friend gatherings.
Walleye Lenny is survived by his children: Scott (Autumn) Adamek of New Prague, Todd (Katie) Adamek of Waseca, and Jeff (Danielle) Adamek of Minneapolis; his brother, Larry (Joyce) Adamek of Webster; as well as his grandchildren: Emilie and Joseph, Isabelle and Gabby, Roman and Desmond.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, August 11, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Veseli, with Father John Lapensky officiating. Visitation will take place at Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague from 2:00–5:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, and again from 8:30–9:30 AM on Monday, August 11. Burial will occur at Holy Trinity Cemetery in Veseli, where military honors will be conducted by the Lonsdale Veterans Honor Guard. Lunch will follow at the Lonsdale American Legion.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Lonsdale American Legion and the Lonsdale Fire Department.
“To the end” Lenny ❤️
Lenny was a great friend. We fished with him on Milasks many times in the winter. Always had a great time as he was a gracious host and lots of fun. We will miss him.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your families on the loss of your dad. Lenny was a classmate of ours at Most Holy Trinity Catholic School in Veseli and at NPHS “Class of 1968”.. Walleye Lenny was a good friend of ours and a talented musician, always enjoyed listening to him play. We would chat about our kids and grandkids and when his next band gig was. There are no answers to comfort your grief, only lasting love and precious memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you… Randy and Nancy Fierst
Lenny was a great guy always friendly to everyone he met I will miss him
I met Lenny thru my father-in-law when I married into a Lonsdale family. He was always a pleasure to be around and a very positive individual. RIP Lenny.
Our sympathy to Lenny’s family and friends.We always enjoyed listening to Lenny keep the beat when he played in the band. He always made time for a friendly visit with a good story or two to tell.
Heaven gained a good soul. He will be missed.