Douglas Leatherman

September 21, 1947 ~ December 12, 2023

Douglas Leatherman, age 76, of Jenison passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Doug proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. After his return home, he started working at the family-owned business, Leatherman Hardware. He soon met the love of his life, Pam, and was married in May of 1971. The family grew by three children and moved to Jenison. It was no coincidence moving closer to the Snyders where they raised their families together, spending time at the Lake Michigan cottage, playing cards, watching Michigan football and Red Wings games! Doug loved going to work and was proud of the 62 years the hardware store was in business. He loved serving the countless customers of Wyoming every day. No matter where we were, he would always run into a customer and would spend a moment with them. Doug also cherished his time as Papa to his wonderful grandchildren as he is a big kid himself! Doug was preceded in death by his daughter, Jenni Gesiakowski; parents, Bob and Maxine Leatherman; brother, David Leatherman; and his best friend, Bill Snyder. Doug will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 52 years Pam; children, Rob (Kristy) Leatherman, Mary Shields; grandchildren, Chase and Tanner Gesiakowski, Olivia and Lucas Leatherman; siblings, Diane (Allen) Swensen, Denise (Pat) Palma, Dawn (Ron) Chapman, Dan (Kelly) Leatherman; many nieces and nephews; and special family friends, Marlene Snyder, Pam and Ryan, Steve and Kari, and Laura and Bill. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, 2700 Baldwin St. with Fr. Phong Pham officiating. Burial will take place at Georgetown Township Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, December 15 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to West Michigan Hospice.

Visitation
Friday, December 15
2:00pm - 4:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Visitation
Friday, December 15
6:00pm - 8:00pm

MKD - Grandville
4145 Chicago Dr. SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Phone: (616) 534-8656

Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, December 16
10:00am

Holy Redeemer Catholic Parish
2700 Baldwin St.
Jenison, MI 49428

Leave Your Tribute Message

December 21, 2023 7:45am
Pam, Robbie & Mary, Time sure flies. Who can say they remember their first lawn mower? Well, Chris and I do! It was delivered by Doug to our front door! Thank you for being fabulous next door neighbors on Almont SE. We are very sad to hear that Doug passed away. May all your great memories warm your heart. Chatting with Joni, we would love to get together and catch up. Chris and I are up in Ludington and I go to Grand Rapids often as Chase and his family are in EGR. Kelsey & family are in Pentwater. Hugs to you and the kids. (It seems like yesterday…they were just kids). Sue & Chris Cornelius

- Sue Cornelius

December 17, 2023 12:29am
Pam, Mary and Robby, I don’t know if you’ll remember me but we were neighbors when you lived in Alger Heights. You were great neighbors and although we lost touch years ago I think of you all and Doug fondly. Pam, you and Doug and Sue and Chase were a support system for me when my husband Phil died 36 years ago! I will always be grateful. I was sharing some of these memories with my daughter April the other day. She remembers playing with Mary and Chelsea. I was saddened to read about Jenni’s passing. You have experienced a lot of sadness and grief recently. You have my deepest and heartfelt condolences. Warm regards and affection for all of you. Joni Schichtel

- Joni Schichtel

December 15, 2023 8:28am
Pam, I am saddened to hear of Doug's passing. I have warm thoughts of both of you every time I pass his store location on 36th street. May God rest his soul and provide comfort to your family as you grieve your loss. George Amar CC 67

- George Amar

December 14, 2023 12:27pm
Doug was such a great friend. I have so many memories from our days at Ottowa Hills and gatherings with our group of friends as well as fishing trips with my family and Tigers and UofM games. Doug always made watching any sporting event more fun because he would get everyone so animated. Bottom line - you could not ask for a truer friend. I am sorry Connie and I won't be able to attend the services because I am scheduled for surgery, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

- Pete Taylor




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