Louis Leshner, 71, of Homewood, who founded the Chicago company Du More Supplies, Inc., died Saturday at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. A native of Chicago, Mr. Leshner started his business in the late 1960s at 1725 S. Michigan Ave., selling wholesale janitorial supplies and products. For years he ran the business alone and took joy in sales and dealing with customers, said his daughter, Helen Arkes. He later hired eight employees and branched into the sales of hardware, electrical and plumbing supplies. Now operated by Mr. Leshner’s son-in-law, Howard Rosenstein, Du More Supplies is one of the biggest distributors of ice-melting products in Chicago. Mr. Leshner graduated from Hyde Park High School and lived on the South Side for years before moving to Homewood. He was stationed in Manila with the U.S. Army during World War II. He also served for a year with the Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mr. Leshner was involved with the Junior Cancer League for more than 40 years, raising money through ad sales, dinners and special events. He also held various positions, including housing chairman, during his long involvement with Congregation Kehliath Israel. Mr. Leshner was an avid fisherman who enjoyed taking his boat, Dewmore, on Lake Michigan with his wife Arlene. Survivors, besides his wife and daughter, include another daughter, Deena Rosenstein; a sister, Edna; and four grandchildren. A service will be held 2 p.m. Monday at the Weinstein Family Service Wilmette Chapel, 111 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette.
