Rev. John Peter Leitner

Rev. John Peter Leitner, 77 passed away Sunday, May 14, 2023 in his home in Cumming, GA, surrounded by his family. John was one of seven siblings born in Mt. Clemens, MI to the late Rex Eugene Leitner and Virginia Ruth Watt Leitner.  John met his wife, Janet Ilene Haviland Leitner, shortly before he began his service in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and they married upon his return.  John retired from Detroit Diesel after a 37 year career and followed his passion becoming the pastor Bay City River of Life Church in Bay City, Michigan. John found the joy in seemingly mundane aspects of life, and often marveled at how God orchestrated His creation. He was a witness and blessing to many lives by serving God, his family, church, country and friends as though it was an honor and privilege rather than duty.  

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Janet Leitner, and their children: Julie Leitner, Jolene Leitner and Jonathan & Christina Leitner in addition to their grandchildren: Ryan & Christie Haskell, Tyler Haskell, Madison LaPree, Grace Leitner, Jadyn LaPree, Annalise Leitner, Lily Leitner, Trinlee Leitner as well as great grandson, Liam Haskell. 

The family will receive friends at 9am on Friday May 19th, at Ingram Funeral Home located at 210 Ingram Ave., Cumming, GA 30040. There will be a short chapel service at 10 am, followed by a procession to the 1pm graveside service at Georgia National Cemetery, with Military honors provided by the Veterans Alliance.  

Donations can be made  to the Mission Fund at his Church, North River Baptist Church.
Giving - North River  https://northriver.org/giving