Memorial services for John Edward “Jack” Leipzig, 81, of Lawrence, Kansas, will be 10:30 am, Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at the First Baptist Church, 1330 Kasold Drive. Mr. Leipzig donated his body to the University of Kansas Hospital.
He died Sunday, December 3, 2017, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital.
Jack was born April 15, 1936, in Kenosha Wisconsin, the son of Sylvester and Bernice Campbell Leipzig.
He graduated from Waukesha High School in 1955. Immediately following high school, Jack joined the Air Force Reserves and served with the Civil Air Patrol. Jack married Nancy Ann Abrahamson in 1960 in Waukesha, Wisconsin. While living in Wisconsin, he worked for Aqua Chem, starting his career as a painter, and eventually becoming Plant Superintendent. In 1975, he and Nancy moved to Mount Vernon, Missouri where they owned and operated the Bel-Air Motor Inn until 1985. Jack served as President of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce, and the town later honored him by naming him Citizen of the Year. In 1986, they moved to Lawrence where they owned and operated the Ramada Inn until 1988. After his hospitality career, Mr. Leipzig was a job coach at Cottonwood in Lawrence until his retirement. Both Jack and Nancy were long time members of the First Baptist Church, Lawrence.
Jack is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Nancy.
Survivors include Jay Leipzig (Sheryl), Kansas City, Missouri, Tatiana (Tyler) Smith, McLouth, Kansas, Maria Leipzig, Kansas City, Missouri, and Michael Leipzig, Lawrence, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Kansas Hospital Kidney Transplant Department or Cottonwood Inc., sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
Jack and I had an interesting relationship that grew over the years. We began as co-workers, then supervisor/staff, then we were free to just be friends. All the while, I knew that Jack had so much under his belt. I respected that and sought his wisdom. His sense of humor and undying optimism always buoyed me.
I hope that in our confidences, I was able to lift him u[ a bit above the fray from time tot time.
Jack was a stellar human being. I hope he and Nancy have reunited.
For everyone that he encountered, Jack was a huge positive influence in his actions and words.
After he retired and I did, also, we kept in touch, talking about so many things. I count Jack one of my dearest friends.
Jack made a great impact on so
Mike and Family,
An indelible mark has been left on the face of the earth by your father. What a wonderful soul to behold. Thank you for the honor of having met and known Jack through you.
Jay,left message on mikes phone last night that Luke cannot get off early Monday so we will be leaving at 5 on tues and be there for service and visiting until about 12 or 1 then head back. I am so disappointed.
Michael, so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. You and your family are in our prayers.
Mike, Jay and family,
So sorry for your loss. Jack was always giving of himself. He will be missed by many. Thankful he and Nancy are together again.
Jay and Mike sorry for loss of
your father. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.