Christian George Leffler

Christian George Leffler, 79, longtime Moses Lake resident died Friday, April 29, 2011 in Columbia Crest Care and Rehabilitation Center in Moses Lake. Chris was born January 30, 1932 to Christian George and Martha (Kriner) Leffler in Pottsville, PA. 

His father was a coal miner, and his mother was a homemaker. He completed all of his schooling through high school graduation in Pottsville. After graduation, he attended Kutzdown State Teachers College, hoping to become a history teacher. His plans changed abruptly when the Korean War started. There were no college deferments, so he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and then when home to break the news to his parents...they did not take it very well! His basic training was in Texas, and he was later stationed in Stillwater, OK at Oklahoma A&M for electronics training. Afterwards, he was transferred to Denver, CO, California and then sent back to Texas for permanent duty. While he was home on leave, and with the help of his mother, he eloped to get married to Pattsie Anne Lord on August 21, 1954. Two children were born to this marriage; Lance Lord Leffler was born February 11, 1956. Lance was killed in an automobile accident in 2001. The second son was stillborn. 

The family then moved to Virginia with the Air Force in 1955. Chris finished his tour of duty in 1959 on a Friday, and went to work for NASA the next Monday. He thoroughly enjoyed his work at NASA and would frequently be called to fly out of town with a moment's notice to go and repair something. Pat was never told where he was, or if he would be home that night. That was nerve-wracking for her, she wanted to know everything. Chris was presented with a U.S. Flag which was carried aboard the fourth flight of the space shuttle Columbia in recognition of his personal contribution towards making Space available. Chris worked for NASA until 1982, when they made a trip to Moses Lake to visit their son Lance who had finished his VISTA Volunteer Tour of Duty. The dry air was wonderful for Pat's lungs, and she felt it was the first time she could breathe in years. Because of this and wanting to be close to their only son, Chris took an early retirement and they relocated to Moses Lake in 1982. Chris was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and has held numerous positions in the Church. He was not afraid or ashamed of his faith. After 3 months of retirement and greatly bored, he went to work for Rodstal, Inc. of Wenatchee. He worked in the field repairing business machines and copy machines. He enjoyed the many travels and places this work brought him. During this time he also taught Electronics at Big Bend Community College. In 2005, he retired again, this time for good, awaiting the time of a sweet, joyful reunion with his dear wife Pat and his son Lance at our Savior's feet. Pat passed away four years earlier from complications related to diabetes and renal failure. He missed Pat terribly, and we are certain his reunion was very joyous when they met again, their little family is once again reunited and rejoicing together. May God bless them all. What a precious gift our Savior Jesus Christ gave to all of us by dying for our sins, that we may all have eternal life. 

Chris is survived by his daughter in law, Kathy Leffler of Moses Lake and six grandchildren: Amy (Blake) Ambridge of Santa Rosa, CA, Julie (Tim) of Pendleton, OR, Jared (Karen) of Hermiston, OR, Tiffany Fletcher, Sara (David) McGuire both of Wenatchee, WA, and Christian Leffler of Spokane, WA; one sister Karen Alban of Pottsville, PA and one sister-in-law Agnes Leffler and her two sons, nephews Edward Leffler Jr, and Brian Leffler; and 13 great-grandchildren, with one more to follow in June. We all miss you Pop Pop but know we will see you again. You are finally at peace and rest with your precious family.

Chris was preceded in death by his son Lance Lord Leffler, his wife Pattsie Anne Lord, and one brother Edward Leffler.

Viewing will be held from 1:00 - 1:45 p.m., Saturday, May 7, 2011 with funeral services to begin at 2:00 p.m., in the Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1515 S. Division St., Moses Lake, WA 98837, with Bishop Randy Gubler, Moses Lake 4th Ward conducting. Burial will immediately follow in Pioneer Memorial Gardens, Moses Lake.

Please visit www.carverfamilyfuneralhome.com to leave a note or message for Christian's family and sign his online guestbook.