Arthur W. Leister Jr.

Arthur Welman Leister Jr., formerly of Sparta, was a devoted husband, caring father, and doting grandfather. He passed away on March 16, 2024, in Lansing at the age of 79 due to complications of kidney failure.

Art was born to Arthur and Gertrude Leister on October 9, 1944, in Rapid City, South Dakota. He spent his early childhood in South Dakota before his family moved to Michigan. Art had many fond memories of South Dakota that he would regale his family with, including causing all sorts of mischief. Art was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War and served with the 26th Base Post Office in Munich, Germany.

Following his time in the service, Art was set up on a blind date with Patricia Hammond by mutual friends. They hit it off and Art and Pat were married on October 15, 1977, in Coopersville. Together they had two sons, Alan and Ken. Art worked in the automotive industry before becoming a school custodian later in his life. Following retirement, Art embraced the job of grandfather to his seven grandchildren, and he was very good at his job. Art loved to hunt and fish, lay on the couch underneath a cat, and feed the ducks outside his condo. He will be remembered for his love of his family, his sweet tooth, and his ability to strike up conversations with complete strangers.

Art was preceded in death by his parents and many pets. He is survived by his wife Patricia, son Alan (Martha); son Ken (Nicole); and grandchildren Adele, Amelia, Grace, Colton, Aidan, Liam, and Logan; sister Judy (Red) Schryvers; sister Cheryl Johnson; brothers and sisters-in-laws Chuck Hammond, Janet (Dick) Crowley, Kathy Rohm, Beth Ann (Ross) Graves, Becky (Damian) Barber, and many nieces and nephews. The family will notify loved ones of a celebration of life for Art. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Art’s memory to Ducks Unlimited.