Leland (Ike) Richard Isenhart, 79, of Midland, passed on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011, after battling a lengthy illness.
Lee was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Edmore, where he spent his early years before meeting the love of his life, Mary Jane Slusher. They married on June 20, 1953. He started his 39-year career at Dow Corning Corp. as a pipefitter welder in 1950. Ike retired in 1989 to the golf course and ball diamonds. He served in the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1959.
Lee loved art and was an avid bowler, golfer and softball player. He was the long time Midland Explorers president and ISC Commissioner. Ike was elected to The Midland Bowling Hall of fame in 1979.
Lee was the beloved husband of Mary Jane. Brother to Charlene (Gil) Rosin of Midland. Loving father of Deborah (Kelly) Winters of Berkley, Cheryl Hamilton of Atlantic Beach, N.C., Roger Isenhart of Midland, Eric (Kathy) Isenhart of Dearborn Heights, and Glenn Isenhart of Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Loving grandpa of Keane (Eric) Peddy of Mt Clemens, Jamie (Nick) Collins of Ferndale, Adam (Kelly) Hamilton of Midland, Chantel (Evan) Anstine of Havelock, N.C., Zane Isenhart of Midland, and Danelle Isenhart of Midland. Also, his special great-grandkids, Alyssa and Danica Peddy, Molly and Melanie Collins, Nolan Anstine, and Alexa Hamilton.
Funeral services will take place at 7 p.m., Sunday, Oct, 16, 2011. at the Ware Smith Woolever Funeral Chapel, 1200 W. Wheeler St., with The Rev. Lisa McIlvenna of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Lee's family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 5 p.m. until time of services. Military honors will be presented by the Midland Area Veterans. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider the Toni & Trish House, PO Box 125, Auburn MI 48611, or MidMichigan Home Care (Hospice), 3007 N. Saginaw Rd., Midland MI 48640. www.waresmithwoolever.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Beverly Koch
October 17, 2011
My sympathies are with you, Mary Jane and the rest of your family. I missed seeing Lee and you at the ASA tournament this year. Lee will be greatly missed. He did a lot of work for the Midland Explorers.
October 17, 2011
Mary Jane and family,
Sorry to hear the news of Lee's passing...our family thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We have fond memories of the ballpark! Tom,Jean, Jill and Tim Baker
Carolyn Carpenter-Kraatz
October 16, 2011
Mary Jane and family,
So sorry to hear about Lee's passing...our family always had such a great time when we got together! He will be missed by all!
October 16, 2011
Lee was a wonderful man and friend. He spent many seasons keeping me on track as a coach at Northwood University. I look fondly back on those days with Lee and the guys. He will be truly missed. Mary Jane and Char, I am sorry for your loss and will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Coach Brown
Diane Matherly
October 16, 2011
Mary Jane, Eric, Roger and all Mr. Isenhart's family, I am so sorry for your loss. Many kind thoughts are being sent your way. My sincere condolences.
October 16, 2011
I always enjoyed meeting with Ike and truly enjoyed knowing him as a friend. So sorry for your loss. Phil Kench, Bear Lake, Michigan
Lynne Ambriole
October 16, 2011
My condolences to Aunt Mary Jane and all my cousins. Uncle Leland was always so much fun to be around. He was a great person to know and I know he will be missed so much. Love, Lynne Ambriole (Slusher)
Linda Smith
October 16, 2011
Cherie, I am so sorry to hear about your father, I pray God be with you and your family and give you all the strength and courage to get through this difficult time.
marc stephenson
October 16, 2011
To Eric and Roger and the whole Isenhart family my heart goes to you all.Eric and Roger I never met your dad but in knowing you from MHS I know your dad left his giudance with you and he will always be loved and missed by all.
Marc Stephenson(Naples Florida)
Kelly Hansen
October 15, 2011
I will always remember Lee being out at the ball fields. I played ball for Northwood and he would be at all our games even when we traveled. He helped me get my hitting on track and taught me some things I still use today. He was a kind and generous person and he will definitely be missed. Rest in peace Lee!!!
Jack Fitzgerald
October 15, 2011
Cheryl, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Lee was a great person to know and a class act. They don't come any better.
Charlie & Pat Ohlemeyer
October 15, 2011
We are so sorry to learn Ike lost his battle. We missed him at the tournaments this year and were so hoping he'd return next year. Can't imagine not seeing him going 100 MPH while standing still!! His smile and ornery come backs are going to be missed by anyone who knew him. Not only have we lost a great softball ambassador, we have lost an even greater friend. MaryJane, Eric, Roger and the rest of the family..you will be in our thoughts and prayers throughout these difficult days and months ahead..and beyond. Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss and rest assured Lee is no doubt preparing for a great reunion on a perfect field in Heaven for us all, someday.
October 15, 2011
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. Lee was a great ambassador of fastpitch-softball and the Midland Explorers. I have many great memories of my times being around Lee . He won't be forgotten!
Andrew Groombridge(Georgetown, Ontario)
October 15, 2011
Sorry to hear of Lee's passing. Lee was a great ambassador of fastpitch-softball and the Midland Explorers. I have many great memories of my times being around Lee . He won't be forgotten!
Andrew Groombridge(Georgetown, Ontario)
Tom Stasik
October 14, 2011
To The Isenhart Family,
Sad to hear of Ike's passing. He was a great person. We had many good times together in the world of fast pitch softball. He was a great supporter of softball in Midland and across North America. May he rest in peace with the Lord.
esther stevens
October 14, 2011
MaryJane, my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
brad young
October 14, 2011
Our thoughts are with " Ikes" family. He spent endless hours of work for the Explorer organization and will be sadly missed. The game is better because of people like you.
Todd McCabe
October 14, 2011
Take care dear friend. You were a magnificent ambassador for the game of Fastpitch and an even better person. You will be missed. Never Forgotten.
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