Obituary: James Edward Leidlein

Harper Woods City Manager James Edward Leidlein died June 16 at age 60. Born in Saginaw, Leidlein most recently lived in Harper Woods.

He served as the city manager for Harper Woods nearly 30 years. He left on medical leave due to an illness in August 2011, Acting City Manager Randolph Skotarczyk said.

The Harper Woods City Council met Monday and recognized Leidlein for his length of service and dedication to the position, Skotarczyk said. He first began with the city as its manager in December 1984.

Skotarczyk said the city council will make decisions about what will happen with the position as far as whether they will complete a search for candidates or ask him to stay on permanently. Skotarczyk retired from Harper Woods as its police chief and then was asked to return to fill in when Leidlein took leave.

According to his memorial on A.H. Peters Funeral Home website, he is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children: Katrina Pokriefka, Eric Leidlein, David Leidlein and Catherine LaChance; his grandchildren: Aisley, Elliot and Aurora; his siblings: Richard, Thomas, Pamela, Robert and Patrick; his mother Mrs. Richard Leidlein; and sister-in-law Martha Hurford.

Leidlein was in public administration for 35 years and served on the Michigan Municipal League's Board of Trustees. He also served as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University and the University of Michigan.

The Michigan Municipal League recently recognized Leidlein's passing related to the death of four community leaders who died last week. According to that article, Leidlein has also served on League Workers' Compensation Fund Board of Trustees and received a Special Award of Merit from the League in 1996.

Memorial contributions are requested to be sent to the American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Drive, Southfield, MI 48076-4135.