Jesse L. Leister's Obituary
Big Rapids - Jesse L. Leister, 80, of Big Rapids and Chippewa Lake, passed away Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at Cherry Hill Haven in Traverse City. Jesse was born August 27, 1935, in Constantine, the son of Jesse and Nellie (Colpetzer) Leister, and graduated from Constantine High School in 1953. He earned both his B.S. and Master's Degrees in Mathematics from Western Michigan University, graduating in 1957. On February 1, 1958, he married Alice (nee Keller) in her hometown of Delaware, OH. For eight years, Jesse taught high school in Fenton. In 1965, he moved to Big Rapids to begin his career at Ferris. He taught in the Living and Learning Center for six years, and then focused his teaching on fundamental arithmetic and business math, retiring as professor in 1994. Jesse was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids for over 50 years, serving on various boards and as an usher. He was elected to the Big Rapids Public School Board for 12 years, serving as its President for four years, and was also on the Board of Directors for the West Michigan State Employees Credit Union. Jesse enjoyed refereeing both high school and college football, and also was a coach and umpire for local baseball leagues. In 1993, Jesse and Alice moved to Chippewa Lake, where he was involved in local politics. Following his retirement, they wintered in Texas, where he was also active in their senior resident community. Jesse's greatest loves were his family, his church, and fishing. Jesse is survived by his beloved wife Alice; 3 children, Col. William (Deborah) Leister, USAF, of Dayton, OH, Susan (Matt) McCullen of Big Rapids, Rebecca (Ted Rueffer) Davis of Traverse City; 10 grandchildren, Jesse, Casey, Brett, Taylor, Nick, Josh, Elyse, Shane, Mac, and Maddy; 2 sisters, Shirley Miller of Oklahoma, Phyllis (Milo) Reiff of Constantine; his brother Don "Butch" (Linda) of Oklahoma City; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 4, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church in Big Rapids, with Pastor Becky Morrison officiating. Jesse's family will greet friends at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 5-8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 3, and after 10:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church.
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