Leroy Weddle Jr., a fun-loving and compassionate son, brother, uncle, life partner, father figure and friend, passed away peacefully at Ascension All Saints Hospital on Saturday, August 22, 2026, surrounded by his loving family and close friends. Leroy loved Jesus Christ, confessed Him as his Lord and Savior, and is now resting in perfect peace.

Born on the West Side of Chicago on January 8, 1963, Leroy was the fourth child of the late Josephine Weddle, née Moore, and the late Leroy Weddle Sr. He shared his childhood with his cherished siblings, Mary Ann Weddle, Minnie Lee Burgess (Jimmie Lee), Lafayette Weddle, Tyrone Weddle, Brenda Martin (Miles), and Gwendolyn Collier.

Leroy attended Ulysses Grant Elementary School, McKinley Upper Grade Center, and Crane High School, where he enjoyed sports and outdoor activities. It was during these formative years that he discovered and embraced his natural talent for tumbling and flipping-one of the many ways his playful spirit began to shine.

In the late 1980s, Leroy relocated to Racine, Wisconsin, where he worked as a cook for Popeyes and perfected his well-known talent for making the best fried chicken. He was also a grill master and could make a mean pot of chili. Leroy’s love of food was matched by his love of music, and he rarely cooked without having the tunes playing. He made sure the sound system and playlist were just right for every occasion, always ready to keep the party going. Leroy truly was the life of the party. He could be found dancing, rapping, stepping, and making sure he pulled a partner onto the dance floor to step and sway. His carefully curated music mixes brought back memories while creating new ones, and wherever Leroy was, there was usually music, laughter and someone having a good time. Racine became a place where Leroy’s family grew in ways that would shape the rest of his life. Through his relationship with Deloris Bogan, Leroy welcomed Czaka Bogan, Marlinzo Drane and Latoya Drane into his life, becoming a father figure to them and loving and helping raise them as his own. Although life took them in different directions, Leroy’s love for them never ended, and he remained a meaningful part of their lives.

It was also in Racine that Leroy met his life partner, Dena Northington, affectionately known as “his girl.” For the past 25 years, Leroy and Dena shared a life filled with love, laughter, music, good food, family and friends. They loved dancing, traveling, attending outdoor events, or simply sitting together on the porch or patio, listening to a playlist of old-school tunes while enjoying a good meal and the company of those they loved. Whether they were out exploring, surrounded by family and friends, or simply enjoying each other’s company at home, Leroy and Dena found joy in life together.

For 25 years, they built a life filled with memories, shared experiences and a love that grew through all of life’s seasons. Through Dena, Leroy’s family grew even larger as he embraced her daughters, Patrece, Monica and Jennifer, along with six grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. He loved them, helped raise them and embraced them as his own. For Leroy, family was never defined simply by blood. He had a remarkable ability to open his heart, make room for others, and make people feel like they belonged. He was a father figure not only to the children he helped raise, but also to nieces and nephews whom he nurtured, guided, and loved throughout their lives. Leroy was famous for his iconic sayings, often imitated but never quite duplicated. He was always “Sharp” when he stepped out dressed in his best, with his “Steppers” completing the outfit. He knew how to add a little “Razzle Dazzle” to whatever he touched, and if he agreed with you, he was sure to let you know with his signature, “Right… Right!”

Although Leroy made Wisconsin his home, Chicago was never far from his heart. He was a diehard Chicago sports fan who proudly supported the Bears and Bulls and could often be seen representing his teams in their attire while watching every game. His greatest joy, however, was family. He often traveled back to his hometown for family gatherings and events, staying connected to the people and place that helped shape him.

Leroy leaves to cherish his memory his life partner, Dena Northington; his bonus children, Czaka, Marlinzo, Latoya, Patrece, Monica and Jennifer; six grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; his sisters, Mary, Minnie, Brenda and Gwendolyn; and brothers-in-laws Miles, Robert; and his beloved nieces and nephews whom he nurtured and loved like a father, including Donnell “Suga Baby,” Weddle, Mary “Mommy” Boyd Joseph Boyd, Latrice Burgess, Brendolyn Burgess, Jimmie Lee Burgess, Marilyn Burgess, Latasha “Pinky” Townsend, Van Lee Weddle, Mileissa J. Weddle, Keyanna “Keke” Weddle, and Miles “Boi-Boi” Martin Jr., along with a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and loved ones, too many to mention by name but all loved the same.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Josephine and Leroy Weddle Sr.; his brothers, Lafayette “Pete” Weddle, and Tyrone Weddle; and his nephews, Willie “Maine” Weddle and Timothy Burgess.

Though Leroy’s earthly journey has come to an end, the love, memories, lessons, and laughter he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His music, his cooking, his dancing, his laughter, and most of all, his love for family will continue through the many lives he touched.

Leroy will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at Strouf Funeral Home from 2:00 – 3:00. A Celebration of Leroy’s Life will begin at 3:00 pm.