Leonard Charles Erle

Leonard was a devoted Christian and an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Alamogordo, New Mexico. He proudly served in the US Air Force as a Jet Engine Mechanic and later went to work for General Motors as a P.M. Skilled Trades Coordinator, where he retired after 27 years of service. After his retirement from GM, he continued to work as a mechanic, selflessly donating his time as an all-around handyman for his church. Additionally, he became a school bus driver for the local school system.

He was an avid square dancer and enjoyed listening to music, including, Classical music, Soul and Rock and Roll from the 60’s and 70’s. He loved being in nature and star-gazing. He was very curious and always wanted to learn; His favorite quotes were “You never know, what you don’t know.” and “Be Kind.” Additionally, he was an advocate for equality.

Leonard loved to laugh, travel and spend time with his loved ones. He loved food, especially Italian, ice cream (I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream), eggs (make sure the yolks are runny) cooked by his daughter, Mel. He had a love for pork chops, and steak or as he called it “Dead Cow”, oh and we cannot forget soup, “soup is good food”. He also loved his granddogs, Sapphire and Ruby who he affectionately called “Sapph-Beast” and “Rube-Beast or The Ruber”, both of whom were very protective of him. He also enjoyed watching “The Office” with his daughter. Family and friends will always remember Leonard as a funny, witty person, more importantly he was a very passionate, kind, loving and generous person. He always put others before himself and helped anyone in need.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Merlin Erle and brothers, Lewis and Larry Erle. Leonard is survived by his daughter, Melissa Rogers; son-in-law, Tyler; his sister, Linda Erle; and his sweet Kathleen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alamogordo Public Library, Alamogordo, NM.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church on June 17, 2023 at 2:00pm MDT, with reception to follow. 1212 Washington Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310