Leslie Allen Kanitz

Leslie Allen Kanitz, 77 yrs of Ida, MI, died in his home under the care of Hospice of Northwest Ohio, on Friday July 11, 2025. Friends may gather at Capaul Funeral Home in Ida, MI, Thursday July 17, 2025, from 2-8PM. There will be visitation on Friday July 18, 2025, from 10AM until the services at 11AM at the Capaul Funeral Home, Ida, MI. Pastor Melanie Forrey of Zoar Lutheran Church, Perrysburg, OH will be leading the service. Burial will be in Toledo Memorial Park, Toledo, Ohio. 

Born December 9, 1947, in Ann Arbor, MI, Leslie was the son of Otis and Gwendolyn (Craig) Kanitz. He was a 1966 Milan High School graduate who joined the Air Force and was a Minuteman Missile Technician. He became a Journeyman Electrician for General Motors for 30 years. Leslie married Katherine Crawford on June 7, 1989, in Monroe, MI. He was a member of NCHA/GLCHA/AQHA associations and Union Local 14. Leslie liked to spend time outside hunting, shooting archery, riding horses, camping and spending time with grandkids. He was excited at the announcement of his 15th grandchild expected next year.  He traveled to all 50 states and would never pass up a good homemade cookie or brownie. 

Survivors include: his wife Kathy; children, Mike (Amy) Kanitz, Weston (Sam) Heckler, Ben (Lisa) Heckler, Nate (Ali) Heckler, Rebecca (Mike) Bradford, Andrew Kanitz; siblings, Larry (Marian), Lonnie (Bonnie), Lynn (Luann), Sherry Howard, Dawn Kanitz; 14 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Dick Kanitz and beloved and loyal dog Pippa.

Memorial contributions can be made to: Hospice of Northwest Ohio and the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America.