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BORN
1944
DIED
2023
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David Leben Obituary
David Harold Leben
Sept. 24, 1944 - Nov. 1, 2023
BLOOMINGTON - David Harold Leben, 79, of Bloomington, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at The ARC of Normal.
He was born on September 24, 1944, in Augusta, GA, to Harold and Doris (Horine) Leben. They preceded him in death.
He is survived by his brother, Jeffrey (Harriet) Leben; his sister, Susan Ochs; his niece Katharine (Kyle) Bracken; and two great-nieces: Ella and Avery Bracken.
David graduated from Bloomington High School in 1962. He then attended Illinois State University, earning his Bachelors and Master of Science in Education. He taught Industrial Arts at Bloomington Junior High School for 25 years. He loved his time teaching there and was beloved by many of his students. He was a Cub Scout and Boy Scout in Troop 14 where he earned his Eagle Scout Award. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge 43 in Bloomington.
David loved his family and spent much of his life helping others. He was known for his kind and generous spirit. He frequently gave blood to the Red Cross, donating 99 gallons of blood in his lifetime. He was also a sponsor of the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight and a volunteer at Meals on Wheels amongst many other philanthropic interests and contributions.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and canoeing with his brother in Canada. He hunted in Illinois, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Stuttgart, Arkansas. He also loved taking the train to Michigan every Christmas to be with his sister Susan, and her family.
There will be a visitation held at Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home in Bloomington on Saturday November 11, 2023, at 9:30 AM with a service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at East Lawn Memorial Gardens in Bloomington. Reverend Brian Hastings will officiate.
David's family would like to personally thank his friends, neighbors and members of the extended family who spent time with him over the last year and brought him some of his favorite foods.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bloomington.
Online condolences may be left at www.calvertmemorial.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for David Leben
Sponsored by Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel.
Edd Marks
November 10, 2023
Edd Marks
November 10, 2023
Phil Huntman
November 8, 2023
As an Industrial Arts teacher in District 87 it was my pleasure to work with Dave. He was a respected colleague and a very positive influence for his students at Bloomington Junior High. My condolences to his family.
Sherron Short
November 8, 2023
After knowing David as a neighbor for 46 years, it is difficult to know where to start. He was the best neighbor to us, and others, ever. We rarely had to plow snow, as David would be there at it, while we were just thinking about it. He never would accept a monetary gift, but loved a plate of cookies, or joining us in a meal,.whatever it was!
His yard was always pristine. He could have written a book about geese...he so enjoyed feeding and watching them and found them to be so interesting and intelligent. He enjoyed and loved all wildlife, and spent many hours gleaning for corn for his geese, squirrels and whatever came. Many times he had a funny joke or story to tell...
Knowing David was a joy, and much love to his family..we will all miss him.
Lori Twaddle
November 7, 2023
Very sorry for your loss! He was a great teacher
Todd Fingerle
November 7, 2023
I remember everybody talking about ALL the "cool stuff" we could/would make in Mr. Lebens class. I still have the small pirates chest jewelry box I made for my Dad in 8th grade. He was a great teacher and mentor.
Katie Bracken
November 6, 2023
David was my uncle, but treated me more like a dad would. Always supporting me emotionally. At times even financially. (Especially when I was a broke college student.) I never even asked, he would just tell my mom to put money in my account from him. He would do stuff like send me a giant box of candy every year around Halloween. It probably cost him a small fortune in shipping alone lol. He ALWAYS put others before himself. Completely selfless. He was one of the people I cherished the most in this world. My kids were also extremely close to him. We will always cherish his memory and miss him forever.
Edd Marks
November 5, 2023
Dave was both a neighbor and very good high school friend. He and his family had a great influence on my life. Our times at the cabin will always bring special memories
Tom Strickler
November 5, 2023
Mr Leben, what a fantastic teacher. My industrial arts teacher, who got me interested in so many things. I wish I still had some of the things that we use to make in class. Absolutely without doubt it was his class that was the start of learning to build and create, solve and enjoy. He was also a great guy to talk to about anything. One of those teachers who you didn't want to disappoint. Just a really good genuine person.
Nancy Pool
November 5, 2023
My condolences to his family. He was one of my favorite teachers. He chaperoned our Old Chicago BJHS teen event. I was afraid to ride on the roller coaster and he helped me overcome my fear that day.
Rick McLean
November 5, 2023
I knew Dave both as a former student, and later as a client. What a wonderful human being-so eager to share his time and knowledge.
Roger Cavitt
November 5, 2023
David was a close friend with lots of memories. I will keep those memories to the end. We always did cider every year at his home. David I will always remember those memories.
Brian and Ellen Orr
November 5, 2023
Much love and many sincere condolences to you all. Ellen and Brian Orr-fellow teachers and good friends of Dave.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
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Memorial Events
for David Leben
Nov
11
Visitation
9:30 a.m.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel1115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Nov
11
Service
11:00 a.m.
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel1115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
Funeral services provided by:
Calvert & Metzler Memorial Home Bloomington Chapel1115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, IL 61701
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