Kenneth D. Leetch, 87, of Grand Island passed away peacefully Feb. 15, 2019, at CHI St. Francis surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, Feb. 19, at 10:30 a.m. at Apfel Funeral Home with Reverend Kelly Karges officiating. Cremation was chosen. Internment will be in Westlawn Cemetery, with full military honors. Memorials are suggested to the Grand Island VFW Post #1347. Lunch to be served after the internment ceremony at Apfel Funeral Home.
He was born on Oct. 22, 1931, in Dawes County to Daniel Oliver Leetch and Alice Neoma (Britton) Leetch. He grew up in Dawes County and received his education at Crawford High School. He entered the Air Force on Jan. 6, 1951, and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on Jan. 5, 1955.

He was united in marriage to Mary Jalaine Kugler on April 1, 1956, at Bartlett. Rhe couple lived in Crawford, and then moved to Milford, where he attended technical school for refrigeration. The couple then moved to Nebraska City, where Kenneth started his appliance repair career. In 1959 the couple moved to Grand Island with their two young children and he worked at ACE Appliance. In 1962 he started Ken's Refrigeration - which now is Ken's Appliance located on Webb Road.
He enjoyed camping, traveling in his RV, playing card games, and most of all spending time with family and friends.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Jalaine Leetch; son, Gail Leetch; daughter, Glenda Kahler and partner Mike Davis; granddaughter, Meridith Turner; grandson, Ian Kahler; and great-granddaughter, Paislee Turner, all of Grand Island. He is also survived by brother, Lawrence "Larry" Leetch of Lee's Summit, Mo., and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Alice Leetch; and sisters, Mildered Wohlers, Gladys Hoevet, Leaudema Wohlers and Deloris Ward.
He lived a long life full of wonderful memories, we will miss him dearly. He took his last service call in heaven.