Philip Arthur Leff

LEFF, FERBER, PETRAK, SPARKS

Posted By: Lisa Ciha (email)
Date: 10/26/2023 at 15:23:13

Philip Arthur Leff, 91, died peacefully on October 21, 2023, at home in Iowa City, surrounded by his family.

Philip was the eldest child of Arthur and Zella Leff, born at Mercy Hospital in Iowa City on August 31, 1932. He attended Lincoln Grade School, Central Junior High and City High School, graduating in 1950. He attended the University of Iowa, receiving a bachelor's degree in political science and a Juris Doctor with distinction from the Law School in 1959.

In addition to his law work, Phil was an enthusiastic supporter of the local community. He was a lifelong member of the Iowa City Noon Kiwanis, serving as its president in 1966 – ten years after his father served in that role. He was on the board of directors of several local establishments, including Mercy Hospital and the Hawkeye State Bank. Phil was elected to the Iowa City School Board and served as president in the early 1970s. He was a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church of Iowa City.

Phil was an avid and talented fisherman who took annual fishing trips to various lakes in northern Canada with the same group of friends for over 40 years. He also spent many enjoyable evenings after work, fishing in the small pond behind his house.

Phil was a devoted and affectionate family man. When his children were young, family vacations were summer car trips to resorts in northern Minnesota, where he tried, with some success, to interest his kids in fishing. His grandchildren delighted in the bedtime stories he concocted for them over the years. As marriages and grandchildren appeared on the scene, Sanibel, Florida, became the spot of annual mid-March getaways. For over 30 years, the expanded families gathered on the beach, sea shell collections grew, grandkids learned to swim under Phil's careful watch, and the most wonderful memories were made. The families gathered by train, plane, and automobile every year at the Leff home in Iowa City to celebrate the Christmas holidays. This was the year's highlight for all - amazing food, stuffed stockings, and card games around the dining table.

In their later years, Phil and Joyce became avid travelers, visiting many countries with a group of close friends. They enjoyed learning about new cultures, lands, and their people. Phil and Joyce’s interest in foreign countries extended to hosting university exchange students in their home. They maintained friendships with these students from around the world. Phil and Joyce were admired and appreciated for the “home away from home” they provided.

Phil is survived by his loving wife, Joyce Leff; children, Todd (Nancy) Leff, Missy (Mike) Petrak, and Adam (Laura) Leff; grandchildren Hannah (Matt) Sparks, Nick Petrak, Ben Leff, and Amelia Leff; great-grandchildren Samuel, Emma, and Sadie Sparks; and his brother Alan (Jan) Leff of Iowa City.

Arrangements are pending at this time for Saturday, November 25, 2023, with further details to come. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Phil’s memory to Iowa City Hospice.

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