Karl J. Leitz, Jr.

Eaton Rapids, MI

Karl passed away October 24, 2018, shortly after his 96^th birthday. The Lord called him to his final resting place surely to be greeted by his late wife, Hildegard Leitz, of 70 years. Karl was born October 15, 1922, in Lansing, to the late Hellen and Karl Leitz Sr., one of eight children.

After graduating from Lansing Eastern High School, Karl served in the United States Marine Corps from 1942-1946, where he was in combat in the Pacific Campaign (Guadalcanal).

He married the love of his life on October 16, 1948, and their union blessed them with four children, around which their lives were centered. Above all else, Karl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing and watching sports. He was a life member of Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his children, Linda Wildflower, Daniel (Diana) Leitz, and Trudy Leitz; 6 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brothers, Don Leitz and Dave Leitz; sister, Helen Joyce Guernsey; and many nieces and nephews. His wife, Hildegard G. Leitz, preceded him in death in 2012; his son, Kevin Leitz, preceded him in death in 2004.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 29, 2018, at Emanuel First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1001 N. Capitol, Lansing, with the Pastor Paul J. Lindloff officiating. Interment will take place in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive family and friends from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church.