Leo Francis Sensabaugh

Leo Francis Sensabaugh, 81 of Gaylord, passed away Sunday, July 11, 2026, at home enjoying his gardens.

Born in Saginaw, Michigan on September 23, 1944, to Ithiel and Martha Sensabaugh, Leo graduated High School from Saginaw Arthur Hill in 1962, and then served his country from 1964 to 1967, in the U. S. Army 1st Cavalry Division in country in Vietnam. During his service Leo received the Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and overseas Bar. He returned to pursue a career in education at Alma College where he met his wife Mary.

Leo was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Trimm on June 27, 1970, at the West Michigan Avenue United Methodist Church of Saginaw. That same year he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Alma College. He continued on to receive his Masters Degree from Western Michigan University in 1973. Beginning his career in Public Education he worked for Hart Public Schools and then moved on to Northport Public Schools as the Principal from 1976-1988. He then became Principal of Pine River Schools in 1988 and moved into the Assistant Superintendent and Curriculum Director position until 1994. He completed his career as Superintendent of Farwell Schools where he retired in 1996 after 30 years in public education. Leo then started a career with Meijers serving as a team leader working at Cadillac and Big Rapids stores during their inception. He also continued on in education as the coordinator for the State of Michigan for Performance Learning Systems as they helped educate educators. He then found one of his great passions as an advocate for special needs children and continued representing them until his passing. Leo was a guest at Michigan Pilgrimage in the fall of 2011. He served the MP community continuously in many positions of leadership and providing for others to have that experience.

He was an active member within his local community serving on the planning commission and historical society board. He was also an active member at his church, Gaylord Methodist Church in various leadership roles and spiritual leader of many small groups to include his best friends, "The Outlaws". Leo had many passions in life to include his flower gardens and his natural way of spreading humor and happiness with all of those he was involved with.

Leo is survived by his son Thomas Earl Sensabaugh, and grandson Jace Thomas Sensabaugh, both of Gaylord.

Visitation will take place from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Friday, July 31, 2026, at Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service. Funeral services will take place 11:00 AM Saturday, August 1, 2026, at the Gaylord Methodist Church, where visitation will be at 10:00 AM. Burial with military honors will follow at Otsego Lake Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Leo's family and friends have established a student scholarship in his name through the North Ed Foundation. To contribute to this fund, visit the giving page a www.northedfoundation.org or mail checks in his memory to North Ed Foundation, 880 Parsons Road, Traverse City, MI 49686.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on Leo's guestbook below.