January 10, 1940 - May 26, 2018
Michael Joel Leinweber DVM - 1940-2018 - Michael Joel Leinweber was born to Alfred and Bernyce (Plowman) Leinweber on January 10th, 1940, joining an older sister. Growing up on a small family farm near LaCrosse, Washington, he held a deep love and appreciation for his childhood. He fondly remembered shooting baskets with his Dad, playing cards with his family when they were mudded in, bucking bales, grooming steers for the fair, participating in football, basketball, and baseball, as well as playing the trumpet in the LaCrosse High School band. - He loved the farm and farm life and would have considered becoming a farmer but his mother kept telling him that he needed to get an education because “this farm is too small to support two families.” Consequently, he attended WSU where he graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Following graduation and a short stint in private practice, he reported for military duty with the US Air Force. This was during the Viet Nam war when most young men were either drafted or enlisted. He enlisted. He married Betty White and the two of them started married life in Grand Forks, North Dakota where he was stationed. After his two-year commitment to the Air Force was over they moved to Corvallis, Oregon, where he worked in a private practice. During this time their first son was born in Corvallis. A year and a half later they moved to Spokane where he joined Roger Harder at the Garland Animal Clinic in a partnership that lasted over thirty years. In Spokane a second son and a daughter rounded out the family. - Early family life was filled with camping at Priest Lake, floating the Little Spokane River, bird hunting, fishing, fantasy football leagues, running, following his children’s activities, and attending WSU athletic events. He loved his profession and the people and clients he worked with. He was an active member of the North Spokane Rotary club, Country Homes Christian Church and later Covenant Methodist Church. After retiring, he and Betty moved to Pullman, where he was an active member of the Pullman Rotary Club and Pullman Presbyterian Church. During empty nester and retirement years he enjoyed time with his 12 grandchildren, traveling with friends, gardening, investment club, wood carving and yet more WSU athletic events. - Michael was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Bernyce Leinweber. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Betty; sons Chad (Heidi) Leinweber and Kurt (Shaula) Leinweber; daughter Anne (Shaun) Ljunggren; twelve grandchildren; Kayla (Shane) Wise, Jacob, Emily, Erika, Katie, Luke, Jackson, Nathan, Joel, and Grace Leinweber, and Olivia and Finn Ljunggren; sister Judy (Bud) Aune of Colfax WA, aunts Bev Dahmen and Esther Johnson, and uncle Lloyd Madison - The family thanks the staff of the Rockwood Atrium for the loving care they gave to him and his family. - Mike, we love you and miss you. - The service honoring Mike will be held Saturday, July 7, 1:00 at Covenant Methodist Church, 15515 N. Gleneden Drive, Spokane, WA. Reception to follow. - Donations in his memory may be made to Christian Veterinary Mission (www.cvmusa.org/donate-now/greatestneed); Rotoplast International (www.rotoplast.org) for cleft palate surgery; or a charity of your choice.
Comments