John Leetch

John Mitchell Leetch, 71, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Friday, February 6, 2026, at Taylor House Hospice in Des Moines.

John was born May 8, 1954, in Dixon, Illinois to James and Patricia (Murphy) Leetch. He proudly served his country during the Vietnam War in the U. S. Navy. Following his military service, John was a CAD instructor for Des Moines Area Community College for 26 years. He was proud of his Veteran status and was a member of the VFW, but his true passion was music. John was a very talented and sought-after musician, who could play guitar, keyboards, and sing. He performed in many bands at local venues and county fairs. He was featured at the Iowa State Fair for a number of years. John was also an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and an animal lover.

John is survived by his wife of 52 years, Stella Leetch; children, Jennifer Leetch, Greg (Carlie) Leetch, and Melinda Leetch; grandchildren, Calista (Brandon) Hendrickson, Skyler Kilgore, Gwenyth Kilgore, Ty Lund, Anthony (Kaylie) Lund, Gabriella (Jarod) Cannon, Ryan Lund, Caleb Lund, and Taylor Leetch; great-grandchildren, Orlando, Camila, Leo, Waylon, RayLynn, and one on the way; his sister, Ramona “Bonehead” (Darrell Staley) Delagrange; and his dogs, Laci Mae, Oni Mae, Mr. Benjamin, and Shayla Mae.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Patricia Leetch.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, February 13, 2026, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Military honors will take place at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of John.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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