Leonard James Needham

Leonard James Needham, 86, of South Haven, passed peacefully away in his sleep, November 4, 2016, at Golden Orchards in Fennville, MI. He was born November 10, 1929 to Leo and Ethel (Burckart) Needham in Monona, Iowa. Leonard married Jeanne Burns on November 7, 1953 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He served his country in the United States Navy during the Korean War. Leonard raised horses on his gentleman farm. He lived and worked as a carpenter in Wilmot, Wisconsin until his retirement in 1998, when he and Jeanne retired to Lansing, Iowa.  In 2012, they moved to the South Haven community to be close to their children.  

He is preceded in death by a son – Lyle Needham and siblings – Norbert and Patrick Needham, and Barbara Welzen.

Leonard is survived by his wife – Jeanne Needham, children - Kim (John Chisholm) Needham of Grand Rapids, Renee (Craig) Johnson of Bokeelia, Florida, and Todd (Kat) Needham of Fennville, and sister – Deloris Fee of McGegor, Iowa.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 12, 2016 at the St. Basil Catholic Church in South Haven. Funeral services will follow visitation at 11:00 at the church. Leonard will be laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery in South Haven. A luncheon will be held immediately following services at the South Haven Yacht Club.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice at Home Caring Circle, 05055 Blue Star Highway, South Haven, Michigan  49090