Donald Edward Leatz , 82, died at his residence in Solomons, MD on Friday, December 10, 2009. Donald was born on November 22, 1927 in Millburg, MI, the seventh child and youngest child of Henry and Ethel Leatz.

He served his country in the Navy during World War II. After the war, he entered the Army Reserve and later the Michigan Army National Guard, retiring at the rank of Major.

Don loved kids, and he loved teaching. He taught in the Niles, MI and St. Joseph, MI public school systems. During his 30 year career, he served as a principal, sixth grade teacher, seventh grade geography teacher, and eighth grade history teacher. He greatly enjoyed playing tennis, and played into his late seventies – often beating players half his age.

Don is survived by his daughters Christine Pokorny of Chicago, IL and Cynthia Pond of Solomons, MD; a sister, Mary Jane Sickels of St. Joseph, MI; and a brother Henry Leatz, Jr. of Detroit, MI. He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his beloved wife Lily; his sisters Marguerite, Annabelle, and Dorothy; and a brother, Lawrence.

We give thanks for Don's dedication to children, his country and his family, and for his joy in life. He will be deeply missed. A memorial service will be held in Michigan in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) or the Edgebrook Covenant Church Crafty Angels (http://www.crafty-angels.blogspot.com/) at 6355 N. Spokane Ave., Chicago, IL 60646.

Local arrangements were handled by the Rausch Funeral Home, P.A., Lusby, MD.