Obituary

Joseph Carl Leitch, 78, of Kendallville died Thursday, April 22, 2010, in Parkview Noble Hospital, Kendallville.

Mr. Leitch was a 1951 graduate of Kendallville High School. He proudly served his country during the Korean War. He later graduated from the G.E. Apprentice School for Tool & Die.

He was retired form Eaton Industries, and served as Democrat precinct chairman for many years. He was a member of the Fort Wayne G.E. Alumni Apprentice Association, Immaculate Conception Church in Kendallville, American Legion Post 86, and Moose Lodge 1301.

He was an avid reader, appreciated nature, enjoyed camping, art, woodworking, gunmaking, and fishing at his Golden Lake cottage. He traveled extensively throughout the U.S., especially liking Alaska, and also Europe, Australia, and Mexico.

He supported and enjoyed his children and grandchildren in all of their activities.

He was born July 22, 1931, in Kendallville to Carl M. and Hilda I. (Herendeen) Leitch. On February 11, 1955, in Helmer he married Beverly Hoyer.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Beverly Leitch of Kendallville; four sons and a daughter-in-law, Bradley Leitch, Brenden Leitch, Kyle Leitch, Curtis & Susan Leitch; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jenifer & Kevin Sabrosky all of Kendallville and Celeste & Mark Gates of Virginia; 13 grandchildren, Christopher Leitch, Brooke Leitch, Jessica Leitch, Andrew & Beth (Dinehart) Desmonds, Aaron Desmonds, Megan Desmonds, Amber (Sabrosky) & Eric Bradley, Brittney (Leitch) &Troy Harmeyer, Chelsea Leitch, Alexander Leitch, Nathan Gates, Jacob Gates, and Jordan Gates; a sister, Sandra Walsh of Texas; an aunt, Neva (Herendeen) Musselman of Kendallville; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Norma (Leitch) Musselman.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at 10 a.m. in Immaculate Conception Church, with Fr. Jim Stoyle officiating. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery, Kendallville.

Honorary casketbearers will be Peter Bottomley, Craig Munk, Chuck Frain, Sr., Lauren Osbun, Robert Easterday, Jim Walters, Dick Zerkle, and Joe Ross.

Active casketbearers will be his grandsons.

Calling is Monday, April 26, 2010, from 3 to 8 p.m. in Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel, 222 South State Street, Kendallville where a prayer vigil will be held at 6 p.m.

Preferred memorials are to the Kendallville Park Department or the donor's choice.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.youngfamilyfuneralhome.com