Leo L. Spitzke

Leo Leonard Spitzke EAU CLAIRE?Leo Leonard Spitzke, 87, of Eau Claire passed away at his home, on Tuesday, August 5, 2003 after a short illness. Friends and relatives are invited to participate in a celebration of Leo?s life at a visitation, 2pm and a memorial service, 3pm on Saturday, August 9, 2003, at Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. At his request, Leo was cremated and his ashes will be kept with his family. Memorials may be made to Hospice at Home. Friends wishing to share a memory or sign the guest book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Leo was born in St. Joseph to Ludwig and Mary Spitzke, Sept. 15, 1915. He attended St. Joseph schools, Chicago Technical College and completed coursework at the University of Notre Dame. He retired as a sales executive from Modern Plastics Corporation, Benton Harbor in 1997 after 52 years. Upon his retirement, he continued working in the area of his true love, graphic arts, operating his own business, Graphics in Glass. Leo was a veteran of the United States Naval Reserve assigned to the USS Dubuke. Well known for his joy and humor, Leo exhibited a zest for life that made him successful in every endeavor. A committed family man, he was happiest when surrounded by his grandchildren. His passion for his art kept him awake at nights, as he couldn?t seem to put his pencils down. A true patriot at heart, a day would not go by when you could pass the house and not find the stars and stripes on his beloved flag pole. Survivors include his wife Nancy; his sister Esther Steinke of St. Joseph; a son Grant (Marion) Spitzke of North Liberty, Indiana; a daughter Sherry Spitzke of Bridgman, Michigan; a son Jeffrey (Zina) Watkins of Livonia, Michigan; a daughter Stephanie (Matthew) Kohler of Stevensville, Michigan; 8 grandchildren; 1 great-grandson; and several nieces, great-nieces and nephews. Leo was preceded in death by his parents, a son Mark, his son-in-law Matthew, and grandson Simon.