Donald W. Leetch, age 93, passed away Thursday, July 16, 2015. He was born on October 12, 1921 in Milwaukee, WI, son of William and Juanita (Kinne) Leetch. He attended Milwaukee Public Schools, graduating in June of 1939 from Boys Tech High School. He was called to Naval active duty in December, 1940, serving aboard the U.S.S. Gilmer DD-233, later converted to the APD-11 on January of 1943. He served in seven Asiatic Pacific Campaigns in WWII from 1943-1945. He was discharged from service in September, 1945. Among other positions, he was a licensed boiler and elevator inspector for Commercial Union Insurance Company, retiring in 1984. He was then employed at Buckstaff, Inc., Oshkosh, for 22 years as a night watchman. On September 22, 1979 he married Jean Stevens at First Presbyterian Church in Omro.
Don is survived by his wife of 35 years, Jeanie; his children: Karolyn (John) Koch and Duane (Linda) Leetch; grandchildren: Keith (Dana) Koch, Kendal (Fiancee, Katie Ward) Koch, Kelly (Andrew) Spanbauer, Kevin (friend, Christine Krause) Koch, Danielle (Jan) Behlke, and Nicholas Leetch: great-grandchildren: Alex and Courtney Koch; Collin and Mason Koch; Erika, Jamie and Michael Spanbauer; Amanda, Emily and Leo Koch; Teal Krause; and Camden, Kinsley and Justin Behlke; step-children: Cynthia and Michael (special friend, Katherine Roeske) Chappa, Laura Doubek and Jeffrey (Linda) Chappa; step-grandchildren: Dorian Chappa, Ryan Harvath, Kendrik (Tiffani) Chappa, and Tabytha Chappa; step great-grandchildren: Keona Gomoll and Li-Onna Chappa; and niece, Judy (Lee) Cloutier. He was preceded in death by parents, William and Junita (Kinne) Leetch; son, Dale Leetch; sisters: Dorothy (Rudy) Hammon and Lorraine (Bill) Rueckert; nephew, Jerry Endrizzi; great-grandchildren: Nevaeh and one little angel; and his former spouse, Imogene Leetch.
The memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the funeral home. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Omro Cemetery.
The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Lance Zernzach and his staff, Parkview Care Center Staff, Evergreen at home, and Lakeland Care for their wonderful care. Further, thank you to all friends who helped Don when help was needed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given directly to Oshkosh Area Humane Society.
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