Leonard A. "Len" Crystal, age 97 of Big Rapids, passed away Friday, July 14, 2023, at Gunninsonville Meadows in Lansing. He was born in Wayne County on December 10, 1925, the son of Tony and Lucy (Streeter) Crystal. Len was a 1944 graduate of Davis Tech High School. He was honorably discharged from the United States Navy after serving his country during World War II. Len returned from the military and began his 38-year career with Michigan Bell Telephone. He married Emma Farra on September 24, 1949, in Grand Rapids where they made their home. They moved their family to Big Rapids in 1963 and together they were longtime members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. Len was an avid hunter and fisherman, hobbies he enjoyed from a young age. He also enjoyed bowling and golfing. Len was a member of the Big Rapids Eagles Aerie 2535 and the Mecosta County Rod and Gun Club. Following Lens retirement, he and Emma looked forward to traveling to Lutz, Florida and in 1992 they officially wintered there. Len was able to participate in the 2017 Mid-Michigan Honor Flight. He also took great pleasure in telling his story of Glider Riding for his 70th and 90th birthdays; hoping hed get to receive his free ride for his 100th birthday. Len is survived by his daughter, Karen (Chuck) Franke of Lansing; his son, Greg (Linda) Crystal of Charlotte, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Stacey (Jeff) Schmidt of Lansing, Doug (Lezah) Shepherd of Holt, Brian (Mitzi) Crystal of Suffolk, Virginia, and Michael (Heather) Crystal of Mooresville, North Carolina; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Emma Crystal, son-in-law Mike Shepherd, and four siblings Betty (Elmer) Teft, Earl (Kay) Crystal, Leon "Red" (Theresa) Crystal, and Barb (Norm) VanHeulen. Funeral Services will take place 1:00 p.m. Saturday, July 22, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Big Rapids with Reverend Robert Garrels officiating, who baptized Len. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the funeral at Church on Saturday. Len will be laid to rest next to Emma at Chapel Hill Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Memorial contributions may be made in Lens name to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 726 Fuller Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307, or Mecosta-Osceola United Way, 315 Ives Avenue, Big Rapids, MI 49307. Arrangements and care entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or leave a condolence for the family at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Saturday, July 22, 2023 1:00 PM Immanuel Lutheran Church 726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Saturday, July 22, 2023 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Immanuel Lutheran Church 726 Fuller Avenue Big Rapids,MI 49307