Leonard Sinke of Lowell, formerly of Moline, died Tuesday, Dec. 13, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.When he was growing up in Moline friends speculated on a career as a baseball player or (more realistically) as part of the family tile business. World War II intervened. This Dutch-American son became a Seabee in the Pacific and then pursued his passion for education on the G.I. Bill. He eventually earned three degrees from Michigan State University, the highest an Ed.S.
Beginning as a history teacher, he moved up to principal and then to school superintendent, the position he held in Lowell through the 1970s and at retirement from Muskegon Oakridge.
Early in his career he met and married Evelyn Bennett, who already had two children and whom he nurtured as his own. Len and Evelyn soon bore a daughter. In the years as they raised their family Leonard served as a lay leader at his church, particularly the First Congregational Church of Lowell.
In retirement, Leonard was a snowbird, migrating between Lowell and Florida and taking in swing jazz festivals along the way.
After the death of Evelyn, a chance meeting in the doctor’s office led to another lease on love, with Wilma Gerred. His marriage as an octogenarian added another multi-generational step-family into his life.
Leonard is survived by his spouse, Wilma Sinke; children and stepchildren, Dr. Suzanne Sinke (Dr. Eberhard Roeder), Dr. Jan (Tammy) Bennett, Diana Keenan and Charlene (Phillip) Johnson; not to mention several grandchildren and a score of Sinke relatives in the West Michigan area.
A memorial service will take at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 (1:30 visitation) at the Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alhzeimer’s Association, Greater Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Road, Ste 100, Southfield, MI 48033-7443.