Leonard Flagel

Leonard was born December 30, 1935, in St. Joseph, Michigan.  He grew up in Benton Harbor where he graduated High School.  After high school Leonard proudly served his country in the United States Army. While working on cars with his friend Lynn, Leonard needed a date so Lynn set him up with his sister Barbara Howard and they would go on to marry in December of 1956 and enjoy over 60 years together. He worked as a mechanic and at the Watervliet Paper Mill until he moved to the UP where he was an equipment operator and maintenance supervisor for 25 years for MDOT’s Cedarville Garage. After retiring from MDOT they gifted him with a trip to the top of the Mackinac Bridge. Outside of work Leonard enjoyed woodworking/carpentry, gardening, hunting, traveling with Barb, camping, and leading church youth group in his early married years.  He also enjoyed giving his time to Habitat for Humanity, Boy Scouts of America, and FFA.

Leonard leaves behind a loving family which includes: four daughters Kathy Flagel (Melvin VanLuven), Betty (Andrew) Grootendorst, Jennifer (Chris) Griffen, and Jean McCann; 10 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; a brother Harry Flagel; two sisters Deanna Flagel and Marlene Flagel; and many nieces and nephews.

Leonard died Thursday, October 1, in Brimley, Michigan.  His wife Barbara, parents Gustave and Marion (Sells) Flagel, and three siblings Rose Hayes, Robert Flagel, and Linda Mead precede Leonard in death.  Funeral services will be celebrated Thursday, October 8, at 2:00 PM with visitation prior starting at 12:30 PM at Hutchins Funeral Home in Watervliet.  Memorials may be made in Leonard’s memory to Habitat for Humanity or Hospice of the EUP.  You are welcome to leave a message of comfort for Leonard’s family.

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