Joseph M. Leach

Joseph Michael Leach, son of Evelyn (Gantzer) and Verne Leach, was born on December 15, 1949, in Moorhead, MN. He passed away on Friday, May 9, 2014, in Sanford Health in Fargo, ND, at the age of 64.

He grew up in rural Glyndon, MN, and graduated from Glyndon High School in 1967. He joined the Air National Guard. As a career, Joseph chose heavy equipment operator being a member of the Local 49ers for 40 years. He retired in 2006. Joe also worked as a ditch mower for the county, store clerk at the C store of Main Line, and had a firewood side business called 'Famous Joe's'.

Joseph, known by most as 'Joe', married Sandra Ann Lass on December 7, 1968. Joe referred to Sandy as his best friend, being blessed with 45 years of marriage. Joe and Sandy had two sons, John and Jesse. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Moorhead and served as a Eucharistic Minister.

Joe was known for his willingness to help with creative projects such as the Adopt A Highway program on Highway 9, or establishing bird feeders and accompanying the Bingo players at the Barnesville Nursing Home. His friends and family could find him feeding the birds in his 'homemade sanctuary' in the back yard, cutting wood, or fishing on Big Cormorant. Joe loved NASCAR, spending time watching the races with his siblings and mother, shooting pool with his grandkids, babysitting his nieces and nephews, spending time at the lakes, and walking.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Verne; son, Jesse; uncle/mentor Jack Gantzer; and sister-in-law, Muriel Leach. He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Glyndon; his mother, Evelyn; son, John and daughter-in-law Judy Leach of Kimball, MN; four grandchildren; brothers, David Leach of Glyndon, Terry (Mary) Leach of Glyndon, Chris Leach of Audubon, MN; sisters, Nancy (Bob) Tofsrud of Grand Junction, CO, Marcia (Steve) Belau of Rochester, MN; his in- laws, the Lass family; as well as many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Joe was especially thankful for his brother in Christ, Gary Miller.

Visitation will be Wednesday, 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM, with a prayer service at 6:30 PM, in Korsmo Funeral Chapel, Moorhead, MN. His funeral will be Thursday, May 15, 2014, at 11:00 AM, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Moorhead.