Donald Warner Leppala

Donald W. Leppala, 83, Mesa, Arizona, died at the Lund Family Hospice Home in Gilbert, Arizona on October 30, 2010. Don was born to Eero and Jenny Leppala on May 31, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan. Don enjoyed a childhood filled with many sports activities, including speed skating, football, running track, and basketball. Following his graduation fron Wayne Memorial High School in Wayne, Michigan. Don served his tour of military duty in the Merchant Marines. Don married Nan Stiles in 1947. Don and Nan lived in Wayne, Michigan while Don began his 40 year career as an electrical engineer with the Detroit Edison Company. Don and Nan had four children, Donarae (Hill), JulieAnn (Quartuccio), Deni Ruth (Habada), and Rex Leppala. Following the celebration of their Silver Anniversary in 1972, Nan died tragically in a snowmobile accident in 1973. In 1974, Don married Judy Anderson of Westland, Michigan. Don then became the beloved stepfather to Judy's three children, Timothy, Terence, and Shannon (Ott). Following Don's retirement from Detroit Edison Company, Don and Judy moved to Mesa, Arizona in 1986 and spent their retirement years enjoying golfing and traveling. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Nan, his sister, Joyce (Bradley), his brother, Richard, and his grandson Eric Johnson. He is survived by his wife Judy, his four children, his three step children, eleven grandchildren, and twelve great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. A memorial service is being planned. Arrangements under the direction of Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel & Crematory, Mesa, AZ.