David Leedke

Obituary of David Leedke David "Dave" Lewis, Leedke, Sr., 86, passed away quietly at his home in The Villages among family and with hospice at his side, after a brief battle with cancer, at @5:19 p.m., on Friday, August 1, 2014. Dave's beloved wife of 50 years, Dottie Mae Leedke, preceded him in death in June, 1998. He is survived by his son, David L. Leedke, Jr., of Melbourne, FL; daughter, Diana L. Hubbard, and son-in-law, Ross K. Hubbard, of Bonita Springs, FL; daughter, Deborah L. Wiley, and son-in-law, Daniel L. Wiley, of Louisville, KY; son, Douglas Leedke and daughter-in-law, Carol Leedke, of Charleston, SC; and grandchildren Douglas James Leedke, and Holly Leedke. David is also survived by his sister, Carole Fields and her husband Ova Fields. David was preceded in death by his brother, Kennard Leedke, Jr. "Dave" was born in Connersville, IN to his late parents, Kennard Leedke, Sr. and Bessie Leedke on May 03, 1928. He graduated from Connersville H.S. and afterward attended Earlham College. Dave's first employment was with the local Philco-Ford plant in Connersville, IN. Always mechanically and analytically gifted, he then became employed with the General Electric Co., first in Bloomington, IN, and later in Decatur, AL in their refrigeration division. He finished his career in Galesburg, IL with Maytag/Admiral as Manager, Foam Process Engineering, before retiring to The Villages in 1998. When Dave was with G.E., he had the lead role in converting refrigerators at the Decatur plant to accommodate Tecumseh compressors. The 2-3 month, normal process for designing, tooling, and procuring was reduced to just a few weeks under Dave's leadership and expertise, earning recognition and commendation from G.E.. Dave spent an active 16 years at The Villages where he loved entertaining friends, golfing, bowling, and traveling (especially cruises). He could often be found, cooking when at home, and loved baking pies and cakes that he would share with his family and friends. He was a member of the North Lake Presbyterian Church, The Villages Motor Racing Fan Club, the Singles Club, Crazy Bridge Group, Saturday Bowling Club, and golfed weekly. Dave was happiest when he was surrounded by family and close friends. He always had a quick smile and a kind word for everyone. He especially loved Thanksgiving and Christmas when he knew the house would bustle with activity. He didn't claim to have a 'green thumb', but anyone who saw his profusely blooming orchids on his lanai were always amazed. He will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and neighbors. Family and friends may call at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, Lady Lake, FL on Friday August 8, 2014 from 10-11AM with a funeral service at 11AM at the funeral home, interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg, FL. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, consider donating to Cornerstone Hospice Foundation, 2445 Lane Park Road, Tavares, FL 32778 @ www.cornerstonehospice.org, or call: (888) 728-6234, to make a gift. Visitation Family and friends may call at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, Lady Lake, FL on Friday August 8, 2014 from 10-11AM Services funeral service at 11AM at the funeral home Interment interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Leesburg, FL.