Leonard D. Olken

Leonard D. Olken

May 12, 1928 - January 22, 2020

Leonard D. Olken, age 91, died peacefully at Aperion Care Arbors in Michigan City, IN, on January 22, 2020. He is preceded in death by his sweet and loving wife, Ruth Olken.

Len was born in 1928 to Ida and Jacob Olken in Erie, PA. He had two sisters, both of whom preceded him in death; his twin sister, Leona, and older sister, Harriet. Orphaned at age 13, Len took care of his sisters by using his wit, tenacity and his passion as a tinkerer. An entrepreneur at an early age, he owned and operated his first radio repair business at age 16. At age 19, Len and Ruth married in Akron OH, where they eventually settled in Michigan City in the late 1950s.

Len worked at Tri-State Electric before branching out on his own with Ronard Industries, a word that combined he and his wife’s first names. Ronard Industries was an antennae hardware and metal fabrication business for 60 years. Len prided himself for his business acumen, inventiveness, resourcefulness, and excellent customer service. His business motto was "products of quality".

A self-made businessman and inventor of many tools and equipment, Len had the ability to fix almost anything. Len will be greatly missed for his unique and special gifts, his sense of humor, and loving ways.

A private family ceremony will be held. Len is survived by his 3 daughters, Debby Olken (Maine), Laura O’Donnell (Maine) and Lisa Olken (Utah), and 5 grandchildren, Brian, Rachel, Kevin, Matthew, and Michael.

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