Leon Torrance Kummen, 69, of Huntley, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Sunday, August 24th, 2025.
Leon was born on December 31st, 1955 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada to Carl and Florence Kummen. Leon was the second of nine children. Leon lived an adventurous life, loved his family, was committed to his faith and had an abundance of friends.
Leon sought out adventure in all realms of life. He was a skilled hockey player and Master Angler fisherman. He was a published zoologist in Canada while living with the Inuit and First Nations. Leon continued his research in Australia, Canada and the Arctic. Whether wrestling a boar in Australia or earning his pilot’s license, Leon loved adventure.
Leon was a graduate of the University of Victoria and the University of Manitoba, earning three degrees including Zoology, Health Information Science and Computer Science. On November 20th, 1993, Leon married Deborah Lynn Pope – the love of his life.
Leon was deeply devoted to his family and shared a special bond with his two children, Kristen and Leo, who will cherish him forever. Leon worked as a computer systems analyst for the past 35 years. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend. Leon will be dearly missed by all who know him.
Leon is survived by his wife, Deborah “Debbie” Kummen, his children, Kristen and Leo Kummen and by his siblings, Maureen Kummen, Madelon (Greg Penner) Kummen, Rita (Ron) Cooper, Richard (Kathleen) Kummen, Garth (Cynthia) Kummen, Patrick (Kim) Kummen, Nancy (Shaun) Roberts and by many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 28th, 2025 from 9am to 10am followed by Mass at 10am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – 10307 Dundee-Huntley Road, Huntley, Illinois 60142. Luncheon will follow Mass. After the luncheon, Leon’s burial will be held at Huntley Cemetery 11505 Dean St, Huntley, IL 60142
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be directed to Senior Care Volunteer Network Crystal Lake, Illinois. Their “Give” page is SCVNMcHenryCounty.org/give/
For further information please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home (847)515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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Deborah, Kristen, and Leo—please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Leon’s life was clearly lived with great love, adventure, and faith. May the Lord’s promise bring you comfort: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). I am keeping you all in prayer. With heartfelt condolences,
Deb, Kristen, and Leo, wishing you peace and comfort. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
My condolences to all of Leon’s family and those who knew him. Leon was a good friend. We had many good times across a couple decades both during work (at Discover Card) and otherwise. He passed on way too soon.🙁
Only knowing Leon for a few short years, he amazed me with the stories that he shared with me of his adventures in life thruout the world. He seemed to know something about EVERYTHING! Being neighbors and fellow gardeners, we would often share adivice about plants, fertilizers, you name it! He was always mixing up various combinations of "stuff" in his garage to apply to the lawn, the flowers, the potted plants, the roses, he amazed me with his knowledge and then actively applied horticultural knowledge to his yard.I was often overwhelmed, tried to remember his advise and suggestions. Obviously, looking at his efforts as a fellow gardener, they worked! To sum up, I will miss our talks over a beer or discussion of fine bourbon, OR the latest variety of a special rose, Leon Kummen, a man for all seasons and my friend, rest in peace dear Leon, rest in peace, in the arms of a wecoming Lord
Dear Debbie, Kristen, and Leo, and family, Please accept my deepest condolences. Leon was a unique person who was liked by all. He was knowledgeable, funny and an all around cool guy who could get along with anyone. He was a great conversationalist and always had a big smile, truly one of a kind and will be missed. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. 🤍🤍