A Memorial Service celebrating the life of John H. Leemkuil 70 of Ormond Beach will be held at 4:00pm Thursday April 16 2009 at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond 733 W. Granada Blvd. Ormond Beach FL. John was called home by his Lord on Easter Sunday April 12 2009 after a long and courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. Pastor Tim Mann of Daytona Beach First Baptist Church will officiate. John was born on January 31 1939 in Apeldoorn The Netherlands to Gerrit and Gertrude Leemkuil. He moved to the United States in 1957 residing in Mamaroneck NY and Warrensville OH before moving to Ormond Beach with his family in 1974. John was employed by the City of Ormond Beach serving as Comptroller Finance Director and Assistant City Manger. In 1981 he was appointed by the commission to serve as City Manager. During his tenure he worked diligently to ensure the development of the Ormond Beach Industrial Park and Airport Complex. For two decades he served the residents of Ormond Beach faithfully and took great pride in being as industrious dedicated and honest public servant. He retired from the City in 1995. John was an avid sports fan who loved the Orange and Blue of the Florida Gators the New York Football Giants the pinstripes of the New York Yankees and the roaring engines of NASCAR. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Daytona Beach the Ormond Beach and Daytona Beach Republican Clubs and the Elks Lodge #2193 where he was a life member. He also held memberships in the Sunrise Lions Club Quarterback Club and the Ormond Beach Rotary Club. He and his wife Ann also delivered Meals on Wheels for the Council on Aging after his retirement. John took great pride in being an American citizen following his emigration in the late 1950's. He loved the United States for the freedom and opportunity this great nation provided to him. He understood the importance of liberty and how tenacity along with perseverance would pave the way to the American dream. "God Bless America" and "The Star Spangled Banner" were two of his favorite songs. He will be greatly missed but the wonderful memories we made with him will remain in our hearts forever. John leaves behind his devoted wife of 48 years Ann; his daughters: Arlene (Rob) Saum of Ormond Beach and Karen Nielson of Port Orange. The special times he shared with his beloved and cherished granddaughter Julianne Saum of Ormond Beach brought him unbounded joy during his retirement. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law Ann Beunk of Ormond Beach a sister Minie and two brothers: Henk and Evert of Apeldoorn The Netherlands. The family wishes to thank the staff at Florida Hospital Oceanside Hospice Care Center for the care and support provided to both John and his family. The family requests memorial donations be made to the Hospice Care Center of Florida Hospital Oceanside 264 S. Atlantic Ave. Ormond Beach FL 32176 so they may continue their great work. The loving and tender care John received during the last weeks of his life was of great comfort to his family. Friends may send condolences to www.LohmanFuneralHomes.com. Arrangements are under the careful supervision of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond.