Walter Leistra

Walter Leistra, age 98, of South Holland, IL went home to be with his Lord on October 23, 2017. Beloved husband of Arlene (Van Kalker Winicky) Leistra and the late Marjorie (Ekster) Leistra. Loving father of Linda Kocsis and stepfather of Cheryl (Roger) Kellogg, Cynthia (Matthew) Byrns, and James (Elizabeth ) Winicky. Cherished grandfather of Shawn Kocsis, Carrie (Gerry) Dopkowski, Tammy (Dwayne) Newbolds, and step grandfather of Amber Echevarria and David Winicky. Dear great grandfather of Thomas, Hannah, and Julian Dopkowski, and Devin, Nevaeh and Caydence Newbolds. Preceded in death by his parents: Richard and Grace Leistra and siblings: Jack Leistra, Dena Elzinga, Jean Vander Veer, Edith Rooda, Dorothy Prince, and Emma TerMaat. Walter was a veteran of World War II. He was a Staff Sergeant in Patton's 3rd Army, serving as a medic in the days following the D-Day invasion. He returned to Normandy Beach, France, for the 65th Anniversary of the invasion. Walter also had the opportunity to fly to Washington, D.C. as part of the Chicago Honor Flight program. He was also a member of the VFW South Holland Post #9964. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Bible League International, 1 Bible League Plaza, Crete, IL 60417, where Walter was a dedicated volunteer for 19 years at the Highland Thrift Store. Visitation, Wednesday, October 25, 2017 from 3:00 - 8:00 P.M. at the Smits, DeYoung-Vroegh Funeral Home, 649 E. 162nd St. (Rt. 6/159th St.) South Holland, IL. A funeral service will be held, Thursday, October 26, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. at Cottage Grove Christian Reformed Church, 16556 Cottage Grove Ave., South Holland, IL. Burial will be held prior to the service at Chapel Hill Gardens South - Oak Lawn, IL.