Hans Gunter Liebau, 86, died peacefully in his home with his beautiful wife and his family by his side, following a battle with colon cancer.
He was born in Germany in 1934, and was the youngest of 3 children born to Kurt and Martha Liebau. He endured many years of hardship growing up in a small town during World War II, but still managed to have a very adventurous spirit. In 1957, he saved up enough money to travel by ship and decided to begin his journey to Canada.
Since he couldn't get a job right away in the automotive industry, he worked various jobs picking cucumbers and tobacco on farms so that he could learn the English language. He was ready to start a new life and shortly after met a young German woman, Mila, who stole his heart on the dance floor and they were married 4 months later. They were married for 62 years and were always the "cute, little German couple" at their grandchildren's sporting events.
He was very proud of his career with Volkswagen of America, which eventually required him to move to Michigan. He worked for them in many capacities for 35 years and retired in 1992. He was also an avid bowler and golfer. He had his first hole in one when he was 80 years old! He also loved his grandchildren dearly and would take them apple picking, bowling, or to the pond to feed the ducks. His absolute favorite thing was when one of them would spend the night. It was always time together that was important and what will be missed the most.
He also had many different boats, from a cabin cruiser to a houseboat. He and Mila spent a great deal of time navigating the waters of Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie. Friends were always welcome aboard and they loved to travel with their unofficial Bayliner Boat Club to Canada, Put-in-Bay, Cedar Point and other fun places. He also enjoyed fishing, but catching fish was another story…it may have been more about the companionship than actually catching fish.
Hans is survived by his wife Mila Liebau; daughter and son-in-law Sandy and Troy Farley; and grandchildren Kendall (Bryant) Lagasse, Luke Farley, Darbee Farley and Teague Farley. He was also very excited to meet his first Great grandchild who is due to be born in May.
Honesty, integrity, and family. These are the values that were the most important to him and that he lived by. When he discovered that he had terminal cancer, the first thing he told his family was "I am at peace, I have no regrets." That is a life well-lived.