Leonard Elmer Hitzeman

Leonard Elmer Hitzeman died Tuesday morning, May 24, 2016, from a broken heart, just 44 days after his wife of nearly 68 years passed away.  He was 90.  Leonard was born on Thursday, February 25, 1926, in Leavenworth, Kansas to his parents, the late Julius Elmer and Lena Eloise (Gruendel) Hitzeman.  He married Teresa Lavern nee Pysher on June 12, 1948 in Kansas City, Missouri.  Throughout his long life, Leonard knew the value of hard work and just what the phrase "by the sweat of his brow" meant.   He was a good provider to his family and they all loved him for everything he did for them.  In his younger years, he started out working as an agricultural and cattle farmer in Tonganoxie, Kansas.  Some years later, Leonard went on to work for B.O.P. (Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac), now known as GMC.  Following his time with B.O.P., he ventured into sales and worked in several industries, moving to Tempe, Arizona in 1963.  He and Teresa spent some years living in Yuma as well.  While living in Show Low, Leonard owned and operated the local RadioShack.  He also ran the newspaper route in the area for many years throwing The Arizona Republic, The Wampum and The White Mountain Independent.When he wasn't busy at work, he found himself busy around the house.  He loved to putter in the garden and had an incredible "green thumb" and was able to grow just about anything imaginable.  He was an avid collector of old vintage replica model cars.  Also, Leonard was a member of the Masonic Lodge.  Life was good for Leonard and he adored his wife, Teresa.  When she passed away on April 10, 2016, a part of him went with her.  He missed her tremendously.  His family now finds a great deal of comfort knowing that their love story continued as he took his final breath this past Tuesday. Leonard Elmer Hitzeman is survived by his 2 children:  Wayne Hitzeman, Diana Francis and her husband, Jack; 5 grandchildren:  Jason (Jolana) Hitzeman, Jeremy (Karen) Francis, Joshua (Tyla) Francis, Christopher (Bethany) Francis, Connor (Sarah) Francis; 8 great-grandchildren:  Tyeler Hitzeman, Paige Hitzeman, Blake Francis, Noah Francis, Belen Francis, Landen Francis, Bailey Francis and  Leah Francis.  Along with his wife and parents, Leonard was preceded in death by his sister, Esther Wacker.A private family memorial service will be held.His family is thankful for all of the kindnesses they have received during the past few months and are especially grateful for the prayers offered up on their behalf at this time. In Lieu of Flowers the family would request donations to the Humane Society.