Leonard J. “Ski” Vsetecka, a resident of Brunswick, GA, passed quietly in his sleep on April 2, 2026, at the age of 90.
Ski was born in La Crosse, KS, on January 13, 1936, to the late Emil F. and Amelia M. Zaboj Vsetecka of Timken, KS. He married the former Dixie Deane Gisick on Aug 19, 1954, at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, CA. During their marriage, they lived in eight states and Iwakuni, Japan. His service in the Navy included many shore stations and five Aircraft carriers, including Vietnam service aboard the USS Enterprise.
He reported aboard at NAS Glynco on May 3, 1972, and remained there until its closing in February of 1975. It was the duty station where he earned the rank of Lieutenant and the Navy Achievement Medal. Ski retired after 22 years of service in the Navy and worked at Golden Isles Food Equipment Co. for 21 years before retiring for the last time. He was a Life member of the Fleet Reserve Association, American Legion Post 9, VFW Post 2588, and Military Officers Association of America. He was a member of Altama Presbyterian Church.
Ski was predeceased by his wife of 57 years, Dixie D. Vsetecka; son, Gregory K. Vsetecka; brothers, Emil, Edward, Bohumil Frank, Victor, Joseph and William; and sister, Helen Suchy.
He is survived by his son, Mark S. Vsetecka (Tracey); one grandchild; two great-grandchildren, Naomi and Nathan Woodside; goddaughter, Diana Sunley of Sand Springs, OK; sister-in-law, Delores Vsetecka of Great Bend, KS; daughter-in-law, Mechelle Vsetecka; and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and cousins in the US and Czech Republic.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Altama Presbyterian Church. Full Military Honors will be presented in recognition of his dedicated service to his country, although Ski strongly believed those now serving deserve honor, praise and our gratitude.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Altama Presbyterian Church, 100 Marsh Dr, Brunswick, GA 31525 or Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N Randolph St. Suite 225, Arlington, VA (nmcrs.org/get-involved/donate).
“We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of LT Leornard J. “Ski” Vsetecka, US Navy, retired.
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, April 9, 2026
