In Memory of Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Liebmann (July 5, 1956 – August 7, 2024)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Jeffrey “Jeff” D. Liebmann who died on August 7, 2024, at the age of 68.
Jeff was born on July 5, 1956, in Barberton, OH to Henry and Helen Liebmann. He was the youngest of three sons. When Jeff was ten, the family moved from Ohio to Pittsburgh. When he was in sixth grade, he found a place for himself in school plays. His opportunities to sing and act very early in life stood him in good stead following the transition to Pennsylvania and for many years following. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science with a major in Chemistry (1978) and a Master of Business Administration with a focus on Organizational Development (1979), both from the University of Pittsburgh, PA. Following graduation, he worked at the University of Pittsburgh, PA as an analyst and Manager of Strategic Planning (1980-1992) and then as an assistant to the Provost (1993-2008).
Jeff was raised in a non-denominational church. He visited various churches during his teen years but was unaffiliated with any denomination. At age thirty, he came across a brochure from a UU church. This led him to the East Suburban UU Church in Pittsburgh (1989). Soon, he was president of this small, lay-led congregation. In 1991, he moved to the Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh. He led primary grade classes for two years, took on junior high class, and moved up with youth into the high school class. He wrote and published religious education curricula across the country. During years of his lay leadership, he felt proud of his work and felt happy being with the UU community. His extensive experience promoting religious education for junior and senior Unitarian Universalist youth inspired him to promote youth ministry across the Association. He felt a call to this ministry. He wanted to help youth bridge not just into young adulthood but into meaningful adult membership in the UU churches. Becoming a UU minister, he wanted to model a religious life and live in covenant with others. He wanted to empower congregations to regularly assess their covenant, find meaning in the experience of worship, and maintain long-term health and vitality. Following this call, he graduated with his Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School (2010).
From 2010 to 2011, Jeff served the UU Congregation of Smithton, PA as their consulting minister. He was ordained by the UU Fellowship of Midland, MI on November 6, 2011, where he served for six years (2011-2017). At Midland, the Rev. Liebmann excelled at ministry with historically marginalized individuals. He mentored lay leadership and worked closely with the board to develop long-range planning. He supported the RE program, offered several Adult RE classes, and brought children into the services. He increased the number and variety of intergenerational worship services and helped facilitate the growth of activities attractive to both young adults and parents with children. From 2017 to 2018, he served at the UU Congregation of Columbia, MI. His ministry at All Peoples, Louisville, KY (2018-2019) helped prepare the congregation to find their next called minister.
The Rev. Liebmann inspired young people he worked with to live their religious beliefs by fostering youth empowerment and developing youth leadership. He impacted Unitarian Universalism with his strong leadership and curriculum development skills. He was heavily involved in UU activities and outreach to the denomination. He sat on the board of the Michigan UU Social Justice organization, was an adult leader on the Ohio-Meadville District Youth Adult Committee for ten years, and program consultant for Lifespan Faith Development for the Ohio-Meadville District.
In community, he provided his services as a consultant for the Woodland Hills School District Board and as governing board chair for the Family Foundation Early Head Start Program (2001-2006).
Some of his works are “Sacred Threads” (Asian religions), “Thinking the Web” (moral issues), “Truth and Meaning” (Western religions), “Dare to Know” (Humanism and Western philosophy), “Heresy Apparent” (Unitarian Universalist history), “Paradigms Lost and Regained” (the construct of youth), and “Living in UUville” (Unitarian Universalist principles).
In his leisure time, he enjoyed collecting stamps, Matchbox cars, comic books, and various genres of books and he loved to sing.
Jeff is survived by his spouse, Jody Liebmann; children: Emily Lemke (Sean); Marcus Goleman; Ashley Stack; Tyler Liebmann; grandchildren: Wolfgang and Scarlett Lemke; brother: Jon Liebmann; as well as numerous nephews.
A celebration of life was held on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Midland, 6220 Jefferson Ave, Midland, MI 48640.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Jody Liebmann, 18293 Sorrento St, Detroit, MI 48235.