Donald Norbert Leikam

Donald N. "Don" Leikam, age 88, passed away on April 6 in Tampa. Born in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, on May 23, 1937, to Joseph Leikam and Helen (née Gabriel), he married Carole (née Laycock) on July 12, 1958. Donald began his career in real estate development and home construction in Illinois. In 1974, he moved with his family to Tampa, expanding his work into the North Tampa area. Through Chippendale Contractors, together with Carole, he built hundreds of custom homes as well as office buildings, churches, restaurants, and renovations, leaving his mark throughout the community. Don enjoyed fishing, golfing, bowling, and traveling with family. He was an avid Buccaneer and Tampa Bay Ray fan. He was a good friend and neighbor, always willing to pitch in to help when needed. Donald was a proud Marine veteran.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carole; his sister Mary Ann Doyle; his children: Douglas Leikam, Kenneth Leikam and his spouse Stacy, Kimberly Leikam, Scott Leikam and his spouse Regina, and Jennifer Crucian and her spouse Brian, as well as 14 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his step mother Angela Leikam; his brothers Leland, Richard, Thomas, and his sisters Georgina Draper, Germaine Hoskins, and Geraldine Reckamp.

A memorial mass will be held at St. Timothy’s Catholic Church in North Tampa on June 12 at 11 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow. Further details will be shared later.