Charles F. Leman

Charles Frederick (“Chuck” or “Butch”) Leman, age 101, of Livonia, Michigan, passed away on October 6, 2025. He was born on March 12, 1924, near Roanoke, Illinois, to Frederick Joseph Leman and Anna (Weyeneth) Leman, and at the time of his death was living in Livonia with his wife, Dorothy (Blunier) Leman.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Blunier) Leman; his children, Jude Leman Sales, Tom Leman, and Chris (Laurie) Leman; and his cherished grandchildren, Emma and Andrew Sales, and Michelle (Owen) Leman. Also surviving is his younger brother, Jim Leman, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Chuck was predeceased by his parents, Frederick Joseph Leman and Anna (Weyeneth) Leman; his siblings, Lucy Fisher, Liz Yergler, and Mary Ellen Ringger; and also by his dear grandchild, Brian Leman.

Chuck grew up on a small Illinois farm during the Great Depression, where hard work and faith shaped his character. He graduated from Roanoke High School, where he was both an excellent student and a cheerleader, and worked as a soda jerk while dating his future wife, Dorothy Blunier.

Drafted in 1943, Chuck served in the U.S. Army’s 75th Division, 289th Regiment. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge, was wounded, taken prisoner on Christmas Day 1944, and endured months in German prison camps before liberation in April 1945. Returning home underweight but unbroken, he completed his recovery and was honorably discharged later that year.

Chuck and Dorothy married in 1948 and moved to Ames, Iowa, where he earned a degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University on the G.I. Bill. His career led them to Nashville, New York, and finally Detroit, where he worked as a City Planner and Landscape Architect, and later co-founded Vilican, Leman & Associates, helping shape communities across Michigan.

A lifelong jazz enthusiast, Chuck built a vast record collection and loved sharing music and conversation with friends. Charles was a big sports fan and loved rooting for every team in Michigan. He loved modern art and delighted in collecting fine pieces that graced the walls of his offices and homes. He was known for his intelligence, warmth, wit, curiosity, and devotion to his family.

A visitation will be held Sunday, October 12, from 2:00-5:00 pm at Harry J Will Funeral Home, 37000 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. An in state will occur Monday, October 13, from 9:30-10:00 am at the Apostolic Christian Church of Livonia, 29575 Wentworth St, Livonia, MI 48154, followed by a service beginning at 10:00 am. A graveside committal with military honors will follow at Glen Eden Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Apostolic Christian Church of America.