Joseph Leonard Jenista, age 89, of the Illinois Veterans Home and formerly of Brookfield and St. Charles, IL died on Thursday, June 10, 2021 in the Home. He was born on April 18, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois the son of James Francis and Josephine (Weise) Jenista, Sr.

Joseph served in the United States Navy during the Korean War as part of the Underwater Demolition Team. He later owned a pet store. He then worked as a chemist for Enthone, Inc from 1970 until his retirement in 1998. Joseph had completed a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 1995.

He was of the Catholic Faith.

He is survived by two brothers: John E. Jenista and George B. (Patricia E.) Jenista. Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents and his longtime housemate Jacob J. “Jake” Williams.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at 10:00 AM in St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment will take place in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in River Grove, IL. There is no visitation but friends are invited to the services.