With broken hearts we want to share that Clare David Lebold died unexpectedly, yet peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at St Mary’s General Hospital, Kitchener at the age of 74. Clare was born on September 17, 1950 in Wilmot Township to Elmer and Katie (Leis) Lebold. Loving husband of Gloria (Yantzi) of 50 years, married on July 5, 1975. Father of Ryan (Annastasia) and Chad (Julie). Beloved grandpa to Avery, Adeleine, Jonah, Sienna and Coen. Brother of Marie (Clare) Jantzi. Brother-in-law to Eileen Lebold and Karen Lebold. Predeceased by his parents Elmer and Katie Lebold, brother Floyd Lebold in childhood, brothers Harold Lebold and Ralph Lebold, sister Grace Zehr and brother-in-law Delford Zehr. Brother-in-law to Marilyn (Don) Steinmann, Lynn (Nancy Steinmann Yantzi) Yantzi, Marvin (Janet) Yantzi, Maynard (Connie) Yantzi. Predeceased by Gloria’s parents, Ken and Alma Yantzi. Remembered and loved by many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Clare was a man of deep and steadfast faith, which was evident in the way he lived his life. Whether Clare was teaching physics or serving as Principal at Niagara Christian Collegiate, he valued, respected, loved and cared for the students, the teachers and staff, and the families involved. Clare generously cared for others throughout his entire life and found fulfillment acting as an interim pastor at multiple churches upon his retirement. He cherished the people around him. He made connections with others wherever he was, whether with his family, his friends, his church, serving at Chandler Mowat Community Centre or the Board of Directors at Karis Disability Services. Clare was invested in his family and could often be found cheering on his grandkids in their sports and activities, as well as encouraging and celebrating their academics.
Visitation will be held at Henry Walser Funeral Home, 507 Frederick St., Kitchener ON, N2B 2A5, 519-749-8467 on Thursday, July 17, 2025 from 6-8 pm, and Friday, July 18, 2025 from 3-5 pm and 7-9 pm.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2 pm. at Steinmann Mennonite Church, 1316 Snyder’s Rd W, Baden, ON N3A 3K8. Reception to follow.
A link to the livestream of the service will be available through the Henry Walser Funeral Home website for those who cannot attend in person.
The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the Kitchener Firefighter, Paramedic and Police Services and the dedicated Intensive Care Team at St. Mary’s General Hospital, especially Dr. Jon Langridge and nurse Amber Wagler, for their exceptional care and compassion during Clare’s time with them. We are also incredibly thankful for the loving support of our extended community during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Karis Disability Services or Snack Attack at The Gathering Church to continue the meaningful work they do (cards available at the funeral home).
Our heartfelt condolences go out to all who shared in Clare’s life.
Visit www.henrywalser.ca for Clare's online memorial.
