Wallace “Wally” Burr Leffel

Wallace “Wally” Burr Leffel, age 95, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 17, 2021.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha “Marty”; sister, Betsy Alexander. Wally will be lovingly remembered by his daughters: Susan and Frederick Crutchfield, Nanette and Steve Rickers; grandchildren: Torin and Ingalill Williams, Hannah Rickers, Bryce Rickers; great-grandchild, Ylva Williams and Arthur Williams; special niece, Candace Naisbitt.

A private burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Emmanuel Hospice.

Wally was born in Springfield, Ohio in May of 1925. Shortly after graduating from Springfield High, he was drafted into the army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge with Patton’s Third Army. After returning, Wally attended Ohio State University and earned an architecture degree. He was exceptionally talented and designed many of the town’s commercial buildings and several schools.

Wally was actively involved in his community as a deacon at 1st Baptist Church in Springfield, a member of the Rotary Club and Jaycees, and President of the Civic Theater. He was a humble man and a hard worker, building sets for the theatre, volunteering for his church and the people in his community and always putting his family at the center of his life. While he accomplished so much in his lifetime, his greatest achievement was being a wonderful husband, father and grandpa. He was so loved and will be missed greatly.