Herman Leuenberger

Herman Duane Leuenberger, age 91, of Beaverton, passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. He was born on September 27, 1934, the son of the late Herman and Mildred (Colbeck) Leuenberger, in Midland. His early years were spent on the family farm and he completed his education in 1952 as a graduate of Beaverton High School. Herman was employed working at A.C. in Flint, then went on to work at Robinson’s Industries. He eventually realized farming was in his blood and became a full-time farmer at Leuenberger Farms Inc., until his retirement. On August 17, 1957, he married the love of his life, Joan Ulrich at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Bay City, MI. Together they shared 69 years filled with love and cherished memories.

Herman had purchased his grandparent’s farm adjacent to his parent’s farm when he was still in High School, so he and Joan took up residence there raising livestock. Eventually, Herman found he had a love for raising crops more than animals, so he slowly made that change. In 1996, he and his family were honored to have their farm recognized as a Centennial Farm by the State of Michigan. It was in the Colbeck/Leuenberger family for 130 years.

Throughout his life, Herm was active in his community. He was involved in Future Farmers in his teens; was active in his church, Good Shepherd Lutheran; and also in Farm Bureau, Gladwin County Ice Carnival, the Soil Conservation Board, and the Sugar Beet Board, and many others. He was grateful for the friendship and support from his neighbors and friends throughout his life.

Herman enjoyed fishing, hunting, traveling with Joan and their three sons, Mark, Mike, and Todd, and in his retirement, mowing the lawn on his treasured John Deere lawn mower, which is still in use.

He is survived by his wife: Joan; sons: Mark (Sandy) Leuenberger and Todd (Connie) Leuenberger; daughter-in-law: Gail Leuenberger; grandchildren: Brennan, Daniel, Gavin, Colbeck, Brooke (Travis) Smith; great-granddaughter: Rebekah Smith; sister-in-law: Phyllis Petsch; along with many dear nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Herman and Mildred; son: Michael Leuenberger; grandson: Canvas Watson; brother: Stephen (Sharon) Leuenberger; in-laws: Lloyd Ulrich, Frank (Lillian) Ulrich, Don (JoAnn) Ulrich, Verna (John) Smith (Vern) Bublitz, and Robert Petsch.

Honoring his wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, at 1600 Dale Road, Beaverton, MI, 48612. Visitation will be held from 10:00 A.M. until the time of service. Visitation will also be held on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Beaverton. He will be laid to rest at Billings Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Michigan Lutheran Seminary, and Hospice of Gladwin. Arrangements are in the care of Hall-Kokotovich Funeral Home. www.hallkokotovichfuneralhome.com