Leonard Herbert Kiviniemi was the fifth and youngest son of John Kiviniemi and Sophie Lorenz Kiviniemi. He was born in Calumet, Michigan August 2, 1944, and met Jesus face to face in the early morning hours of December 20, 2023. As Leonard's life and legacy will profess, he never met a stranger. While living with his parents in Calumet, he had many friends. They appreciated his joyful nature and nicknamed him 'Happy'. Leonard was color blind and did not read nor write, but that didn't stop him from remembering nearly everything he ever heard or saw. Because he had such an incredible memory, he could sign his name simply by remembering what his signature looked like. Following the death of his parents, he moved to Scottsburg in 1981 to live with his oldest brother John and his wife Gladys. He also had some great fun and adventures while living near two of his nephews in Murfreesboro, Tennessee before returning to Scottsburg. He bicycled everywhere and could often be found drinking coffee at Waffle House, hanging at the bowling alley or fishing at Lake Iola with family or friends. He loved dancing and always had a partner on the dance floor. Leonard enjoyed and took pride in his accomplishments and enjoyed traveling with the Indiana Special Olympics where he earned many ribbons and medals. He had many funny moments in his life and would grin widely and laugh when sharing these escapades with others. One of his funniest took place before he moved to Scottsburg. He worked at a car dealership in the UP of Michigan ensuring the parking lot and surrounding area always looked nice. One day as he was surveying the lot, a car carrier arrived, and the driver asked Leonard to help him by unloading the new vehicles from the truck. Funny or sadly, the semi driver did not realize Leonard did not know how to drive and therefore, had no driver's license. After Leonard 'unloaded' the first Cadillac (without the ramps) the driver suddenly realized he had made a grave mistake. Needless to say, Leonard was not asked to unload any more car carriers! If you ever visited the Ramada Grapevine Lounge in Scottsburg, you probably met Leonard. He earned a little spending money there by doing various odd jobs and made many lifelong friends while he was there. One of those friends owned the local golf course and hired Leonard to collect stray golf balls with a golf cart and an attached 'golf ball picker upper'. He really enjoyed the fun and Independence this job awarded him, but he must have gotten overheated a few times, because he drove the cart RIGHT INTO THE POND! Not once, but TWICE! Before he had heart valve replacement in 2012, he bicycled everywhere. It was hard for him to give up his bicycling days, but he had many wonderful caregivers and friends throughout the years who ensured he remained active in the community. He was assisted with daily activities by a variety of caregivers who loved and embraced him and his quirky behavior. One of these incredibly special friends was Krista Byer Leonard who remained his closest friend while he lived in Scottsburg and ensured he was always included in holiday festivities, attended church activities, shared fishing adventures with him and treated him at his favorite restaurants. She also was by his side, held his hand and reminded him how loved by Jesus, family and friends until he left this life. The family truly appreciates her friendship and dedication to him. Preceding him in death were his parents and four brothers: John and his wife Gladys, Philip, William, and Ernest. He is survived by several generations of nieces and nephews. Leonard truly appreciated and loved the people of First Baptist Church of Scottsburg and the Indiana Special Olympics. Memorials to either or both in his name will be greatly appreciated and will ensure Leonard H. Kiviniemi is fondly remembered. Thank you for loving and caring about our uncle and friend! Leonard's smiling face and happy disposition will be greatly missed by his family, friends and anyone who had the privilege to meet him. And as he always finished his phone calls "Say hi to ____________ for me", Leonard, it's our time to ask you to 'say hi to Mom and Dad for us'. May God Bless you all, Sharon (Kiviniemi) and Gary Hurtienne, Ron and Ann Kiviniemi, Jerry Kiviniemi, Gary and Virginia Kiviniemi, David and Evelyn Kiviniemi, Connie Kiviniemi-Baylor.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Sills officiating. Visitation: 11:00 am to 11:30 am at First Baptist Church in Scottsburg, Indiana. Interment at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet, Michigan. Online condolences: www.collinsfuneralhome.net