Arthur Earl Leister, 88, of Fort Branch, IN, passed on Saturday, June 26, 2004 at Gibson General Hospital in Princeton, IN.

He was born to the late George and Edith Leister on October 28, 1915 in Fort Branch, IN.

Earl as he was known to his friends and family was a retired farmer. He also sharpened saw blades, chainsaw blades and knives for Dewig Bros. Meats, Emge Meat Packing , and area residences for 59 years. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army, where he was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. Earl was a member of the Fort Branch General Baptist Church, The Disabled American Veterans, The Fort Branch VFW Post #2714, and the Haubstadt American Legion.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathleen (Swader) Leister, 3 brothers, Urmal Leister of Owensville, IN, Paul and Gene Leister of Fort Branch, IN, and 2 sisters, Jeanette Thompson and Josephine Deal both of Cynthiana, IN. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.

Services will be conducted on Tuesday June 29, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Stodghill Funeral Home located on highway 168 West in Fort Branch, with burial in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Fort Branch, where at military service will be conducted by the VFW Post #2714.

Friends may call for visitation on Monday, June 28, 2004 from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.