William (Bill) Leibnitz, age 79, of Harrison Township, MI passed peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on March 16 ^th , 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years Sandra (Rewoldt) and his three daughters Alexa Grote, Tamara (Jeff) Lesnau, and Heather (Steve) Adams. He is cherished by grandchildren Carter and Jackson Grote, Noah, Kasey and Trevor Lesnau, McKenna and Braydon Kloeb and Vanessa and Steven Adams. He was predeceased by his step-brother Dave Kursteiner.
Born in 1943 in Mt. Clemens to Elizabeth (Nehls) and William Leibnitz.

Bill was a graduate of L'Anse Creuse HS in 1961 and continued onto Western Michigan University (BA), Wayne State University (MA) and Central Michigan University (Educational Specialist).

In July of 1964, he married his high school sweetheart Sandy. The two of them built a life together raising their 3 girls in their forever home on Elmite. He returned to his alma mater where he taught for 35 years. He was also part of the football coaching staff. If you lived in the area, chances are you had him for US History, Drivers' Education, as a coach or for a conversation about the Red Wings. Having the Leibnitz last name made you a bit of a celebrity because everyone knew him.

Summer vacations always meant he was working on his project list. Whether building a garage, a shed, a pool, cleaning the garage, or helping a neighbor, he was working on something or maybe just his "secret stuff" in the shed. The girls remember many times trying to disappear before the jobs were handed out. Years later we appreciate all the on-the-job training he readily delivered…life lessons.

With a passion for every kind of "huntin'!" as he called it – fall was his favorite season. Sandy joked she was a hunting widow and sadly her birthday was in the middle of rifle season. Bill could tell you if the deer were in rut, if the smelt were running, the best ice fishing spot, or where to drop in the duck decoys.

Later in life Bill and Sandy spent hours at "The Club" meaning Scalawags Country Club. Although his golf game was always a "work in progress" it was where they met some of their very best friends. Winters in Florida came later as a respite against the Michigan cold, a spot for their daily crossword puzzle, reading, and a chance for more golf practice.

His grandkids were also a passion for him. He loved telling them all his hilarious stories about his mischievous childhood, talking about sports and politics, or attending their sporting events – visor in hand to keep the sun off. If possible he brought them a newspaper clipping to discuss. He was so proud of them all.

He will surely be missed. He was one of the good guys.

A visitation is planned for Friday, March 24th, 3-8pm at Will & Schwarzkoff Funeral Home at 233 NB Gratiot Ave., Mt. Clemens, MI.
Funeral Service at 2pm (visitation at 1pm), Saturday, March 25th at Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave, Clinton Twp., MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will go to Trinity Lutheran Church.