John "Jack" Leipzig

John “Jack” Leipzig was a man of few words but when he did speak, others were sure to listen since his words were carefully chosen and laced with the wisdom that only life can bring. He enjoyed playing cards, fishing, and traveling, but the times spent with his family were always the moments he treasured most. John was a giving and compassionate man who was always fun to be around. He was blessed to share much of his life with his true companion with whom he modeled what a loving marriage truly should be.

Although the Great Depression of the thirties created hardship in many ways there were also glimmers of hope. Hollywood was booming, Route 66 led the way for some to settle in areas of different opportunities, and the newly elected Franklin D. Roosevelt promised deliverance from America’s problems. It was during this eventful generation that John and Evelyn (Morrison) Leipzig were celebrating new hope in their family as well as they welcomed the birth of their son, John Bernard, on October 7, 1935. John, who was often called Jack, joined three older sisters in his family and with his birth, their family was complete. His father worked at Kalamazoo Valley Paper in order to support his family during these difficult times. John was raised in a devout Catholic family and he attended local schools including St. Augustine High School. It was during his formative years that John developed a passion for sports that would remain with him throughout his lifetime. During high school he put this passion to good use assisting some of the sports teams as their manager. John went on to graduate from high school in 1952.

Life soon took John down a few different paths. With his high school diploma newly under his belt, John’s parents signed the forms that allowed him to enlist in the Marines where he served from 1953 through 1956. Upon his discharge John found work at Town & Country Supermarket for a short time. He later began working for National Waterlift where he remained throughout the rest of his career. John retired after 40 years as a manager and supervisor who worked in several different capacities.

One fateful day John’s work at National Waterlift opened the door for his introduction to a woman who would forever change the course of his life. Her name was Carol Kooi and she came in to interview for a position. She was over qualified for the position but since John thought she was cute, he insisted that human resources find a job for her. Over the next little while they began dating. After falling deeply in love, John proposed to Carol three times to which she responded, “I don’t know.” There was no doubt in John’s mind that they were destined for one another and so he told her that when she finally decided she was ready, she would need to ask him. Awhile later, Carol did just that while on the Ohio Turnpike. They were married on June 26, 1982. Carol also brought her three teenage sons into their marriage. John became a fixture in their lives and was soon coaching Little League and going to all their sporting events. Eventually the relationships he shared with Roger, Chris, and David grew into the genuine love that is shared between a father and his sons.

There were a variety of interests that John pursued throughout his life. As a younger man he collected trains and his love for sports remained a fixture in his life as both a spectator and a participant. John bowled on numerous leagues over the years and was an avid golfer throughout his whole life too. Notre Dame was his favorite college team and simply on principal, his boys were University of Michigan fans. John was also a fan of Chicago teams including the Cubs, White Sox, and Bears. He loved to play games and cards whether it was Uno, Phase Ten, or Cribbage, and the Euchre tournaments among the family always created quite the ruckus around the house. John also loved to fish – usually with his little boat on Sugarloaf Lake, and he even went deep sea fishing. John loved to travel and once he retired in 1997, he and Carol had even more flexibility to do so. The first trip they took during their retirement years was to Disney World and after that, they began wintering in Florida for 10 years. Since John and Carol weren’t really shuffleboard people, they spent their time either poolside, golfing and entertaining their grandchildren.

It was in fact his family that brought John great joy and nothing could have pleased him more than when he became a grandfather. He played with them and made sure to see all the hockey, volleyball, and soccer games he could. John loved to see his granddaughters’ dance recitals as well. It wasn’t just his presence that made him such a vital part in the lives of his grandchildren, but it was also his encouragement and support. His pets were like family to John, most notably his three dogs, DJ, MoJo, and his beloved Goliath.

Life became more difficult just nine months ago when he was diagnosed with lung and throat cancer. He fought a very brave fight but was unable to recover and he drew his last breath with Carol by his side.

John Leipzig was a loving, fun, and generous man who always seemed to be thinking of others. Known as “Grandpa”, “Papa” or “Bompa” to his grandchildren, he was usually doing a jigsaw puzzle or at times, cheering on his favorite sports team. John lived a vibrant life in which he touched the hearts and lives of so many who knew him. He leaves behind a legacy of love and quiet strength that will surely withstand the test of time. John will be dearly missed.

John “Jack” Leipzig of Kalamazoo died December 3, 2009. John’s family includes his wife Carol, his sons Roger (Kim) Kooi, Chris (Tammie) Kooi, David Kooi, his grandchildren Jeremy, Kaitlyn, Alyssa, Molly, Maggie, Emma, Chloe, his sisters Josephine (Jack) Nuyen, Marilyn Schrepper, and many other relatives and friends. John was preceded in death by his sister Arlyne Chappell. Visit with his family and friends and share light refreshments on Monday from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Life Story Funeral Home, Portage; 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). A memorial service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church; 7211 Oakland Dr. Portage. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or St. Michael’s Lutheran School.