Leslie O. Lausch

Leslie O. Lausch, 88, of Eau Claire, MI passed away Monday July 15, 2013 at Laurels of Sandy Creek Assisted Living in Wayland, MI. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, July 19, 2013 at Heritage Chapel & Cremation Services, 8747 US 31 Berrien Springs, with Daughter Mrs. Betty Empson officiating. Burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Berrien Springs. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan. Those wishing to share a memory of Leslie may do so online at www.heritage-chapel.com. Leslie was born August 8, 1924 in Baroda, MI to Herbert & Arlie (Shetterly) Lausch. On March 10, 1943 he enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country in WWII. He was a POW at Starlock 7A Prison in Munzenberg, Germany. Leslie received 3 Bronze Stars for his service and dedication to his country during the war. After being discharged from the Army in 1945 he went on to work as an inspector and lathe operator for Clark Equipment. On August 1, 1949 he married Phyllis Glassbarm in St. Joseph, MI. He retired in 1982 after 30 years. After retirement Leslie continued his passion for farming which he discovered at a young age. Leslie is survived by his children; Leroy Stark of Grand Rapids, Randy (Kathy) Lausch of Edwardsburg, Betty (John) Empson of Hartford, Beverly (Kevin) Kruger of Niles, Robin Rudlaff of Berrien Springs and Becky (Kenny) Hunt of Niles. Grandchildren; Shane (Laura), Lisa (Mike), Kevin (Debbie), David, Stacey (Fred), Nicole, David and Doug, and 9 great-grandchildren. Siblings; Norma (Paul) Kruger of Marcellus, Jerry (Barbara) Lausch of Galien, Eldon (Harriet) Lausch of Stevensville, numerous nieces and nephews and his former wife and dear friend Charlottle Stark. Leslie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Phyllis in 1998, 12 siblings, and son-in-law Allen Rudlaff.