Obituary of William L. Leiker

William “Bill” L. Leiker, of DeWitt, NY passed away peacefully on January 23, 2023, after a short illness.  Born in Denver, CO on August 22, 1940, Bill was the only child of, and predeceased by his parents, William P and Bessie M Leiker, who lovingly called him “Sonny”. He grew up in Grinnell, KS and after graduating from Grinnell HS he spent a year in the seminary discerning the priesthood before deciding to go to college.  He met the love of his life, Marilyn Ascanio of Cherokee, KS, while attending Pittsburg State University, and after he graduated with a degree in Mathematics, they married in 1964. He started his family, and his career at Boeing, in Wichita, KS. After a short time in Seattle, WA, with Boeing, he moved back to Wichita, and then took a job with Honeywell in Phoenix, AZ where the family lived until 1973 before moving to DeWitt where he worked as a computer programmer/analyst for GE (later Lockheed Martin) for 43 years.  A hard-working and dedicated employee, he continued to work into his 70’s, finishing his career as a computer consultant at Excellus Blue Cross and Blue Shield.  
A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife Marilyn; his children Natalie M Cole of Waterford, NY, Linda L Leiker of Attleboro, MA, William F (Jean) Leiker of DeWitt, NY; his grandchildren Timothy W (Gabrielle) Cole, William J Leiker, Bradley J Leiker, Brian J Leiker, Broderick F Leiker; brother-in-law Anthony F Ascanio; sister-in-law Suzanne R Ascanio, and was predeceased by her husband, his brother-in-law, James G Ascanio.
He took incredible joy in his family with his "the door is always open" policy. Family-time was his favorite time with Sunday dinners, grandson sleepovers, holiday gatherings, road trips to Kansas to visit relatives, and camping with and coaching his kids topping his list. His faith in God was strong and he was a devoted member of the Knights of Columbus. He loved puzzles and was an avid tennis and racquetball player, bowler, and golfer in his younger years. Forever filled with words of wisdom, his family and friends will dearly miss his advice and his fair, kind, and patient nature. 
Services will be held at a later date. Remembrances in his name may be made to the CNY Autism Society of America (CNY ASA), 4465 E. Genesee St., PMB 252, DeWitt, NY 13214; Holy Cross Church, 4112 E. Genesee St., DeWitt, NY 13214; or the Knights of Columbus, 4864 Limehill Dr., Syracuse, NY 13215.
Online condolences, www.shepardsonfh.com.

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