Robert Leister, 87; Helen Leister, 80

Robert Burton Leister, age 87, and Helen May Leister, age 80, both of Constantine, passed away Sunday, December 20th, 2009 from injuries sustained in a car accident. 
Bob was born in Constantine on July 10, 1922, a son of  John and Tina (Nelson) Leister. He attended Constantine schools and served as a medic in the US Army during WW II. He worked as a shipping clerk at Kirsch Company  in Sturgis until he retired in 1980 after 37 years.  Bob enjoyed hunting and fishing and also worked the family farm with his brother Johnny.
Helen was born February 6, 1929 in Constantine, a daughter of Harold H and Jennie Mae (Stenberg) Miller. She graduated from Constantine High School and worked at Kirsch Company in Sturgis for 14 years. She later obtained her nurses aid training at Glen Oaks Community College and woked in Home Health Care.  Helen enjoyed playing softball on the church softball league.
On May 22, 1948, Bob and Helen were married in Angola, IN.   They were both active members of Porter Baptist Church. They both enjoyed bowling in leagues, and spending time with family and friends. They loved camping and relaxing at the river.
Surviving are their daughter Carrie (Kirk) Moyer, grandsons Trace, Alec and BJ Moyer, all of Constantine, Bob’s brother LeRoy (Madelyn) Leister, Constantine, and sister-in-law Betty Leister, Sturgis, Helens brother Charles (Cozette) Miller, Three Rivers, and many nieces and nephews. They were preceded in death by  Bob’s parents, sisters Alice Jones, Mary Leister, Leona Ream, Darlene Hayes, brothers Charles, Clarence, Lester, Harvey, Harley, Russell, Johnny and Forrest (Ted) Leister.  Also preceding were Helen’s parents and sisters Mary Jane Almasi, Anna Marie Miller and Martha Clear.
Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received Wednesday December 23, 2009 from 4-6 pm   at Porter Baptist Church where a Memorial Service will follow at 6:00 p.m. Pastor Robert LaPine and Pastor Patrick Neff will officiate. Interment of Ashes will be in Peek Cemetery at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to Porter Baptist Church or Howardsville Christian School.  Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.