Leo Kuefler
Class of 1936Alumni Recognition Award, 2001
Leo J. Kuefler takes his place on the alumni wall after graduating 65 years ago. He was on the football team for four years and won the conference championship. After graduating he devoted his life to his country and the community.
He always worked. During high school he would work after school from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., and on the weekends, at the local service station. If there was time, he would help local farmers in their fields. After graduating, he worked full time until December of 1941, when he was drafted after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Leo was in the United States Army as a Staff Platoon Sergeant. He received the Purple Heart award, the Silver Star award and the Good Conduct award. The prestigious Silver Star Award is given to individuals who risk their lives to save the lives of others. This rare honor was bestowed on Leo Kuefler for saving his patrol during battle. He served in France until he was injured. He was hospitalized from November of 1944 to May 1946.
After returning from the war, Leo owned his own Service Station; it was located where the City Hall Building is now. Leo worked there until 1963, when he then joined forces with Naperville School District 203. He was recruited to establish and maintain the newly emerging bus fleet. For 38 years, he has worked behind the scenes in the Transportation Department.
In addition to his work for the district, Leo has been a volunteer speaker to elementary students. His visits to classrooms have helped children understand the meaning of freedom and the price that can be associated with it. He also delivers a message of civic responsibility...each person contributes what they can to make our world a safer and better place.
Leo Kuefler, the ninth child out of eleven, has lived in Naperville since 1929. After returning from the army hospital in May of 1946, he married Shirley Schuster. They have four children, Dan, Peter, Martha and Ellen. Peter and Ellen were also Naperville Central graduates. They also have four grandchildren. Shirley has passed away but, throughout their forty years of marriage, Leo said they did a lot of traveling and were able to see all fifty states and Canada.
MR. KUEFLER'S MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: Study hard and take advantage of all the fabulous opportunities Naperville has to offer. Be involved in your community and build a wonderful life for yourself.
