Retired Kane County judge who died remembered for kindness, knowledge
During Leonard J. Wojtecki's 15 years as an associate judge in Kane County, he always kept extensive reading material in his chambers. Namely, the most recent appellate court rulings - all of which he reviewed even if they had nothing to do with cases he presided over.
"He always knew the latest case law on any issue you would have a question on because he read the case himself," recalled Kane County Circuit Judge John Dalton, who described Wojtecki as a trusted mentor.
Wojtecki, of Geneva, died over the weekend from cancer. He was 69.
Colleagues and peers recalled Wojtecki, who retired from the bench in June 2015, as a trusted and knowledgeable judge who took the time to mentor others.
Dalton said he frequently would ask Wojtecki for advice on legal issues after Dalton was elected judge. Wojtecki not only helped with legal aspects but also provided guidance on how to present a ruling to competing attorneys advocating for their respective clients.
"It not enough to get the ruling right, but to deliver it in a way so that both sides got their day in court and were treated fairly," Dalton said. "He was a kind and gentle person. He was fiercely independent and I admired that. He never gave me any bad advice."
Wojtecki, known as "Len" to his friends, graduated from Marquette University in 1969 and earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1976. The Cary native also served as a prosecutor in Cook County and assistant public defender in Kendall County before his appointment as an associate judge in the 16th Judicial Circuit in August 2000.
Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon said he and his office were saddened by Wojtecki's death.
"He was well liked in the 16th Circuit and advocated for justice and fairness," McMahon said. "Our condolences and best wishes to his family and friends."
Funeral arrangements are pending.