Leonard Peter KMITTA

27 JUN 1935 - 11 FEB 2022

• BIRTH: 27 JUN 1935, South Bend, St Joseph, IN
• DEATH: 11 FEB 2022, Moultrie, Colquitt County, GA

INDEX

[N31388] Leonard “Len” Peter Kmitta
June 27, 1935 - February 11, 2022

After a long and fruitful life, Leonard “Len” Peter Kmitta was called home from Moultrie, GA, at approximately 10:30 AM, on February 11, 2022. He was 86 years old. Leonard was born in South Bend, IN, on June 27, 1935, to Peter and Marie Kmitta and was one of four children, Chester “Chet,” Ronald, and Carolyn “Kelly” McClure. The family moved from South Bend to Edwardsburg, Michigan, in the early-1950s, where he and his brothers played varsity sports. Leonard and his brother Chet enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean War and served honorably. During his time in the Navy, Leonard learned welding, which became his trade; after being discharged, he worked for several industries in and around Michiana. In 1957 he married Vivian Abshire and had four children, Leonard Alan (Kathy), Daniel Mark (Rebecca), Michael Stephen (Cindy), and David Mitchell (Tammy). He taught his sons the value of hard work; he loved and was proud of his boys. Leonard and Vivian divorced in 1971. Leonard married Beverly Kinder in 1972, who he considered the love of his life. Beverly’s children, Manny, Paulette, Belinda, and Kurt, often called him dad. Leonard and Beverly devoted themselves to their Seventh Day Adventist faith. They rejoiced in service to the Lord by missionary work together for many years. Leonard loved gathering with family and friends, fishing, playing harmonica, and singing Christian Karaoke. Leonard was preceded in death by his parents, wife, siblings, son Leonard, step-children Manny and Paulette, niece Tina, grandson Mark, and nephews Tim and Mark McClure. Three sons survive Len and his adopted son Terry Baldree (Janice), and many nieces, nephews, and grandchildren.

Posted online on February 13, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune