A funeral mass for Monsignor Leo Wlezcyk (Father Leo), 86, of Freeport will be held at 11:00 am May 5, 2026, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 100 Oak Drive South, Lake Jackson with Fr. Jim Lynes officiating. Visitation will take place at the same church on May 4, 2026, from 6-8 pm with the rosary being recited at 6:30 pm.

Father Leo Wleczyk entered into eternal life on April 29, 2026. A native of Texas, he was born on June 21, 1939, in Needville to the late Leo Sr and Josephine (Petrosky) Wleczyk and lived most of his younger years in Freeport. Leo will join his parents and siblings Edward Leo Wleczyk, Elenor Wleczyk Henderson, and Shirley Wleczyk Rentrop and many friends and relatives that have gone before him.

Leo Wleczyk attended Brazosport High School in Freeport where he graduated in 1957. Father Leo excelled in sports growing up, playing Little League, football, and baseball. He says he was nicknamed ''Jitter'' because he loved to dance. In high school, his classmates voted him for honors such as Most Popular, Most Athletic, and Most Likely to Succeed. He was Brazosport ISD's 2019 Wall of Fame recipient.

Father Leo continued his education at St. Mary's Seminary in Houston. He was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston on May 27, 1965, by Bishop John Morkovsky at St. Mary's Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Freeport. During his active ministry he served as parochial vicar at St. Mary's in Port Arthur, St. Patrick's in Galveston, St. Joseph's in Baytown, and was appointed as administrator in Palestine. He was named pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Palestine in January,1977. The following March he was named pastor at Notre Dame Church in Houston. On September 1, 1984, he was elevated to Monsignor. He was appointed as pastor to St. Michael the Archangel in Lake Jackson shortly thereafter. He retired in 2019 after 54 years of dedicated service. After retirement he continued to celebrate mass in area churches. HR 1645 was introduced by The House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature to congratulate Father Leo on his retirement and wished him future success.

Parishioners will remember Father Leo for his gentle, approachable nature and his ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life. He was a beloved mentor to many, and his counseling brought hope to those in need of comfort. His commitment to pastoral care included faithful visits to the sick and homebound, especially during challenging times.

Father Leo was an avid fisherman and enjoyed spending time with his many fishing buddies. Father Leo spent time during the winter months hunting at his deer camp in Central Texas. Depending on the time of year, the smell of fresh fish, venison, and wild pig permeated the rectory as he cooked.

Father Leo is survived by his beloved nieces and nephews, Kathy Oldmixon (Mark), Carleen Brenner, Edward Leo Wleczyk, Jr, Elaine Sain, Carrie Wells, and Scott Rentrop (Veronica). He is further survived by many cherished grandnephews and grandnieces, all of whom held a special place in his heart.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to support a charity of your choice.