Leon Willis Whetstone

Leon Willis Whetstone, age 96 of Grand Rapids and formerly of the McBain area, passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at the Byron Manor in Byron Center. He was born on November 8, 1929 in Mentone, IN to Casel and Audrey Whetstone. On May 2, 1948 he married Doris J. McGill in Warsaw, IN. On January 6, 2006 Leon remarried Ruth Tuinstra in Grand Rapids, MI.

Upon moving to Northern Michigan, he spent his 41 ½ year working career at CMI Foundry in Cadillac. Leon had been a member of the Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas where he served as a Deacon, Elder and volunteered in other organized church affiliations. He played on the McBain Fast Pitch team for years. He also enjoyed woodworking, watching football and doing puzzles.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Whetstone of Grand Rapids, children Tom (Deb) Whetstone of McBain, Terry (Marlene) Whetstone of Cadillac and Sandra (Robert) Dore of Lake City, step-children Kirk (Mary) Stevens of CA, Terry (Brenda) Stevens of Byron Center, grandchildren Chris (Lesley) Whetstone of Jackson, Brent (Jessica) Whetstone of Marion, Kevin (Beth) Dore of Presque Isle, Kim (Nathan) Zeeryp of Marion, Melissa (Jeff) Fauble of Cadillac and Michaela (Christopher) Murphy of Traverse City, five great-grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, 6 step grandchildren, 14 step great-grandchildren and 4 step great-great grandchildren. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Doris J. Whetstone, step daughter Cindy Dempsey, one brother and three sisters.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 27 at 2:00 PM at Rehoboth Reformed Church in Lucas with Christopher Murphy officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in Highland Hillside Cemetery in the spring. The Burkholder-Nielsen Funeral Home in McBain is serving the family. The online obituary can be visited at burkholderfunerals.com