age 96, passed away Saturday, June 22, 2019 at the Chelsea Retirement Community. He was born August 8, 1922 in Saline, Michigan, the son of Chester & Marie (Vedder) Leonard. LaVerne was a farmer most of his life. He loved fishing, playing horseshoes, and making stained glass.
On March 21, 1945, he married Mary J Zurlinden, and she preceded him in death on Jan. 15, 2000. Survivors include three children, Gary (Linda) Leonard of Grass Lake, Judy (Dennis) Chambers of Grand Coulee, WA, Terry (Belinda) Leonard of Gladwyne, PA; 6 grandchildren, Craig (Lisa) Leonard, Kevin (Jen) Chambers, Kristi (Jolene Smyth) Chambers, Brianne (Michael) Grubbs, Neal Leonard, Chelsea Leonard; 8 great-grandchildren, Olivia Leonard, Mikaila Leonard, Emma Leonard, Jasmine Smitko, Landon Smitko, Maximus Smitko, Nolan Leonard, Tyson Smyth-Chambers. He was preceded in death by his brothers and sisters, and special friend, Dorothy Gray.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 13 , 1:00 pm at Main Street Church, 320 N Main Street in Chelsea, with Pastor Mark Murphy officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Chelsea Senior Center or Chelsea Meals on Wheels. Arrangements were entrusted to Cole Funeral Chapel in Chelsea.