Dr. Robert G. Leitzel

ELIZABETHVILLE • Robert Gene Leitzel, 1927-2020. Nov. 30, 2020, Dr. Robert G. Leitzel, DDS, of Harrisburg, Pa., breathed his last on earth at age 93, and breathed in God’s gift of eternal life. Born Oct. 31, 1927, in Herndon, Pa., to Hattie [Bordner] and Fred Leitzel, Bob was the oldest of eight siblings. He grew up in Klingerstown, Pa. Bob was commissioned in the United States Army Air Force, training in dentistry and rising to the rank of captain. He completed his undergraduate study at Bucknell University and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Pennsylvania. Married to Barbara Opdyke Leitzel in 1953, Bob and Bobbie raised three daughters, Cindy Morlock [Wayne], Alison Leitzel [Barry Davis], and Nance McCown [Jon] in Elizabethville, Pa, where “Doc Leitzel” established a private dental practice for over 20 years. Bobbie predeceased Bob in 1979, as did his second wife Leta Mae [Newman] Leitzel in 1999. In his later years, Bob made his home in Millersburg, Pa., with beloved companion Shirley Miller. Bob was known for his expertise in dental extractions as well as his renowned whistling, the sound of which would precede him as he walked the half block home at the end of each workday. He loved spending time in the beautiful outdoors, watching wildlife and birds. He also worked crossword and Sudoku puzzles and read widely. Always looking for creative outlets, Bob enjoyed many varied hobbies during his life, among them rock and coin collecting, gem polishing, leather working, rug latchhooking, wine making, driftwood carving, gardening, ukulele playing, and masterminding some rather unique outdoor Christmas decorations. As the eldest sibling, he relished presiding over large group gin games at family gatherings and calling bingo at family reunions. Bob was a member for many years of the Rotary Club in Elizabethville. He had been a longtime member of Larrys Creek Fish & Game Club, Salladasburg, Pa. Bob is survived by companion Shirley; by his three daughters and their spouses; by eight grandchildren: Becky Morlock, Annie Clementoni [Brian], Alanna Hoyer-Leitzel [Danial Deschaine], Zachary Hoyer-Leitzel [Naomi], Kaiya Hoyer-Leitzel [Josh Borglum], Stephen McCown [Courtney Potteiger], Kate Gale [Nathan], and Christie McCown [Ryan Huggins]; by five great-grandchildren: Kyle Morlock, Adriana and Joseph Clementoni, and Nyorita and Mandere; by siblings Lynn Leitzel [Louise] and Jo Heffron [Jack]; and by numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; by five siblings: Sue Lebo, Romaine Botts, Jim, Bill, and Fred Jr.; and by two wives. A memorial service and inurnment at Maple Grove Cemetery, Elizabethville, Pa., will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14401, Cincinnati OH 45250-0301 or the Millersburg Area Ambulance Association Inc., PO Box 72, Millersburg PA 17061. Minnich Family Funeral Homes Inc., is handling the arrangements. To sign the online guest book, go to min nichfuneral.com Paid by funeral home