SCHLIETER, LEONARD JAMES Age 91 of Bangor, passed away Saturday, June 20, 2015 at home. Leonard was born November 25, 1923 in Millburg, the son of Herman and Evangeline (Dukescherer) Schlieter, both of whom precede him in passing. Leonard was also preceded in death by a son, Richard (Rick), as well as two brothers and two sisters. Leonard married the former Gertrude Willis on November 5, 1948. She survives, along with a son, Michael (Deborah) Schlieter of Lawrence; a daughter, Dawn Hayes of Benton Harbor ; three sisters: Clara Small of Paw Paw, Elinor Dalton of Visalia , CA. and Dorothy Nicholas of Cumming, GA.; five grandchildren; five step grandchildren; five great grandchildren; eight step great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews and a brother-in-law, Duane Mount of Grand Blanc. Leonard served from 1944 to 1946 in the Navy during World War II. After his service he spent the majority of his working life in road construction, operating heavy equipment. He was a member of Operating Engineers Local 324 and retired from there. Although he was drafted before finishing high school, he was awarded an honorary diploma from Lawrence High School in 2013. Leonard lived in the Lawrence area for most of his life, but, after his retirement, he and Gertrude made a home in Leesburg Florida for 15 years. Per Leonard's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service to honor his memory will commence at 11 A.M.; Friday, June 26 at Hill Cemetery, Lawrence with Pastor Sherri Swanson of the Three Oaks United Methodist Church presiding. Military rites will be performed by Hess-Eastman Post 174. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leonard's name may be made to Reverence Hospice. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at www.calvin-leonardfh.com.
Published Published in Kalamazoo Gazette from June 24 to June 28, 2015