Clayton E. "Jeff Lietzke

Clayton E. Lietzke, who was known to everyone as Jeff, passed away on the morning of July 4th at the age of 80 in New Philadelphia, Ohio after numerous health battles throughout the last year.

Jeff was born in Alpena, Michigan on May 3, 1941, and was adopted by Venus and Melvin Lietzke of LaSalle, Michigan in 1950. He attended and graduated from the Monroe County school system in 1959. After high school, Jeff enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served until 1962. After serving, Jeff met and married Wendy Sharron Cicely Lauder and settled in Monroe, Michigan where he had four children and worked in the auto manufacturing business.

After his wife Wendy’s passing in 1973, Jeff married Joyce Ann Kelly Casto and added her three children to their clan. The family of nine resettled in Lisbon, Ohio in 1976 where he lived for over three decades.

While living in Lisbon Jeff worked in the pottery factories in Chester, West Virginia, and later in the coal mines just outside of Lisbon.

In his younger years, Jeff enjoyed golfing and fishing. Later in life, he liked traveling in a recreational vehicle and was heavily involved and active in numerous kennel clubs including The Columbiana County Kennel Club, The Canton Ohio Pekingese Club, and the Lakeland Bulldog Club of Pennsylvania. He raised, showed, and sold numerous dog breeds including Afghan Hounds, English Bulldogs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese to name a few. After years of showing dogs, Jeff contributed to the Kennel Clubs in which he was a member by serving a number of posts and on Boards for different organizations.     

Jeff most recently lived in New Philadelphia, Ohio where he spent the last few years. His wife Joyce passed away in 2020.

He is survived by his seven children including a son Russell (Sarah) Lietzke of Fairmont, Minnesota, and three daughters ─ Kimberly (George) Vitko of Brooksville, Florida, Margaret Lietzke in Sterling, Virginia, and Sharron Lietzke in Wylie, Texas, and stepdaughter Alice Marie Castle of Westerville, Ohio, and two stepsons Ed (Wanda) Casto of New Philadelphia, Ohio and Kelly (Kathy) Casto of Westerville, Ohio. He is also survived by eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Pastor Kathy Barton of the Elkton United Methodist Church will conduct a private, graveside service for the immediate family on Saturday, July 10th at Riverview Cemetery in East Liverpool, Ohio. Jeff is in the care of the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, West Virginia. You may view this memorial and send condolences at www.arnerfuneralchapel.com

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