James Leon Lobbestael

James Leon Lobbestael, 73, of Sebring, Florida, passed away Wednesday, June 20, 2012, in Sebring. He was born October 31, 1938, to Alexander J. and Helen M. (Burrell) Lobbestael in Ypsilanti, Michigan and went to a Cherry Hill, Michigan two-room schoolhouse during his elementary years that Henry Ford had built. He attended Roosevelt School in Ypsilanti and transferred to Plymouth School in Plymouth, MI, then attended Staunton Military Academy in Staunton, VA, graduating in 1957. He attended Eastern Michigan College for one year before starting classes with Ford Motor Company for draftsman. He worked for Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI for 30 years as draftsman in EEE building, retiring and moving to Sebring in 1989. He played hockey, baseball, softball, golf and bowling throughout his life, but golf was his interest during his retirement. He was a member and past President at Pinecrest Golf and Country Club in Avon Park, Florida and played in Golfweek Seniors tournaments around the state of Florida He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Donna Lobbestael of Sebring; son, David G. Lobbestael and wife Tony, grandson, James and granddaughter, Jordan of Summerfield, SC and sister, Joanne Hildinger, Ann Arbor, MI. He was preceded in death by his brother, David Lobbestael. In honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to Hope Hospice, 4840 Sun N Lake Blvd., Sebring, FL 33872. Arrangements have been entrusted to: Stephenson-Nelson Funeral Home Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125 www.stephensonnelsonfh.com