Fertile – Michael Glen Leach passed away on October 5, 2017 in his home in Fertile, at the age of 59 years old.
A funeral service to remember and honor Mike’s life will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with Rev. Sheila Michaels officiating.
Visitation will be held from from 9-11 a.m., followed by a service at 11 a.m. Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery of Thief River Falls, to follow the service.
Michael Glen Leach was born on August 31, 1958 to Lawrence Edward and Gloria Ann (Audette) Leach in Thief River Falls. He grew up, attended school, and graduated in May of 1976 from Lincoln High School.
Following high school, Mike entered the work force, first working at the Getaway in Thief River Falls for a few years and then working in automotive part sales for the bulk of his career.
After retiring from this work, Mike moved to Fertile. People who knew him knew how good he was at his work and appreciated his personal, authentic, and respectful attitude. He enjoyed helping people out and at his best, had a personality that lit up a room and made you want to be around him.
During these years, Mike made his home in rural Thief River Falls and was united in marriage on May 20, 1978. He was father to three children; Jason and Krista (Green) Leach of Esko; Christopher and Sarah (Peterson) Leach of Barnesville; and Cassandra (Leach) and Brandon Sanford of Sunbury, OH. He was also grandpa to Trevor and Keira Leach, Norah Leach, and Kyleigh and Blake Sanford.
Mike’s favorite hobbies included being out on the lake fishing as well as hunting at the family hunting land with his father, brothers, and friends. He enjoyed family events, watching a good ball game on the television, collecting war memorabilia, attending his kids’ sporting and music events, and pretty much anything Star Trek.
At his core, Mike was a family man who never missed a moment to share how proud he was of his kids and grandkids with family, friends, and even strangers. He would carry around pictures and would light up when talking about them. It was a joy for him to include them in his hobbies.
Michael is survived by his children and grandchildren (named above), parents: Lawrence and Gloria (Audette) Leach of Thief River Falls; siblings: Gregory and Marya (Hallstrom) Leach of Sioux Falls, SD; Kevin and Julie (Quam) Leach of Dellwood; Brian and Kathie (Lane) Leach of Duluth; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Michael was preceded in death by his grandparents: Clifford and Anna Audette, and Glen and Olga Leach.
Mike will be greatly missed, but may his memories continue to surround us with love and laughter.
Family condolences may be sent to www.johnsonfuneralservice.com
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