Franz Xaver Leib, age 90, of Saline, MI, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Arbor. Hospice in Saline, Michigan, on April 27, 2019. Franz was born on November 9, 1928, in Kerkingen, Germany to August and Maria (Hueber) Leib.
After his mother’s untimely passing he was raised by his step-mother Anna (Schneider). He married Marzella Weber on December 28, 1957 and they celebrated 61 years of marriage. Franz is survived by his wife, Marzella, and three children, Norbert, Thomas, and Peggy (Tim) Geiger.
He was very proud of his six grandchildren: Christopher Leib, Jacob Leib, Jennifer Leib, Parker Leib, Grant Geiger, and Jack Geiger. Franz was preceded in death by his parents, step-mother Anna, and siblings, August, Erwin, Hermann, Anna, Edmund and Josef. His sister Klara survives.
Franz started his working career as an apprentice baker in Aalen, Germany. His career was interrupted when he was forced into service with the German Navy during WWII. When the war ended there were few opportunities within Germany, so Franz bravely ventured to Canada where he worked numerous jobs from lumberjacking to mining and eventually settled in Sudbury Ontario.
During a vacation trip back to Germany in 1955 he met the love of his life, Marzella Weber, and after corresponding by letter for two years they were married on December 28, 1957. Marzella then moved to Sudbury with Franz and two of their children, Norbert and Tom were born there. In 1961 they relocated to Ann Arbor where their third child, Peggy was born.
Upon arriving in Ann Arbor Franz resurrected his career as a baker and worked at the Quality Bakery for a few years prior to joining General Motors, where he worked for over 25 years as a pipefitter. In 1967 the family moved to Saline. Franz continued to bake and many raved about his German style rye bread, pretzels, and delicious birthday torts.
Franz was extremely handy and during his life he built three houses. In his retirement years he enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was very fond of gardening. He always looked forward to his yearly moose hunting trips back to Sudbury.
He was a proud member of the Ann Arbor Schwaben Verein and G.B.U. 630. He also enjoyed his monthly breakfasts with retired GM tradesmen, and especially enjoyed the many visits of family members from Germany who often came to celebrate his birthday. Cremation has taken place; visitation is scheduled for May 13, 3-8:00pm, at Nie Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Rd, Ann Arbor; additional visitation May 14, 9:00am until time of service at 10:00am, St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 530 Elizabeth St., Ann Arbor.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Arbor Hospice, Ann Arbor, MI. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Franz Xaver Leib please visit our Sympathy Store.
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