Leland Joseph Logsdon

Leland Joseph Logsdon, age 87, passed away peacefully at home on January 8, 2026. An Irishman who hated potatoes but loved the University of Michigan Wolverines and Detroit sports teams (especially the Lions and Tigers), Lee leaves behind countless friends, a legacy of service and accomplishment, and a loving family who deeply valued his sage advice, diplomatic disposition, quick sense of humor and compassionate interest in their lives.

Lee was born in Flint, Michigan on August 20, 1938. He graduated from St. Michael’s High School in Flint where he proudly earned All City Team honors in Football and served as Captain. Upon graduation, Lee served in the United States Air Force from 1957 through 1961 while studying engineering at Michigan Technological University.

After serving his country, Lee loyally worked for General Motors as an industrial engineer supervisor in the Service Parts Division for 40 years, retiring in 2000. He spent 16 more years living in West Bloomfield, Michigan before moving to Sarasota, Florida. During that time, Lee filled his days with season tickets to University of Michigan football, hosting New Year’s Day euchre tournaments for friends and family at his home, and becoming a regular at Sposita’s Bar and Restaurant, where we held court so well that he was favorably mentioned in a Yelp review.

In addition to his sports fandom, Lee was a voracious reader, amassing a library with hundreds of novels, especially political and crime thrillers. He was a relentlessly dapper dresser, with an enviable collection of sport coats, wool scarves, polished loafers and tweed caps. His favorite holiday was St. Patrick’s Day, when he could always be found in the middle of festivities, belting out his version of Danny Boy. Lee made friends easily, with an endless supply of jokes that he would pull out at any given moment, often leaving his audience in stitches and asking for more. Lee had a wonderful smile that would light up a room and spread to others time after time.

Lee is survived by his wife Sharon (nee Sobotka). Lee and Sharon spent more than 47 years together. Lee was Sharon’s greatest love. Their relationship was a beautiful example of unwavering support, supportive companionship, and enduring romance. Their life together was a testament to a love that only grew stronger with each passing year. They cherished every moment they shared, creating a lifetime of treasured memories, laughter, and an unbreakable bond.

Lee is also survived by sons Michael (Melanie), Patrick and Brian (Amy); his daughter-in-law Tracy; his grandchildren Kullen (Cali), Riley, Olivia, Ellianna, Kaisa, Abigail and Gavin; his brother-in-law David Sobotka (Kim); nieces Karen Muniez, Sharon Hill, Stefanie Gemmell and Stacy and Suzanne Sobotka; nephews Matt and Darren Herrick, John Logsdon, Gary Savore and Matthew and Chad Sobotka; and many grand nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Lela; son Dennis; brother Leslie; sisters Delores Johnson, Reva Savoie, Vera Hammer, and Bonnie Herrick; nephew Tim Savore; and in-laws Stanley and Marjorie Sobotka.

Visitation will be held at Brown Funeral Home (1480 East Hill Road, Grand Blanc) on Friday, January 16 from 3-7 p.m. Funeral Mass to be held at Holy Redeemer Church (1227 Bristol Road, Burton) on Saturday, January 17 at 12:30 p.m. (Viewing 30 minutes prior).