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Jeffrey Leach

jeffrey leach

February 1, 1964 ~ February 10, 2022

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Jeffrey Allen Leach, age 58 of New Hampton, Iowa, died Thursday, February 10, 2022, at MercyOne North Iowa in Mason City. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, February 17, 2022, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton, IA with Rev. Brian Dellaert celebrating the service. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Hampton with Shane Erlandson, John Kuhn, Blaine Feltz, Bill Schilling, Travis Leach, and Kevin Thurm serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearer will be Jeff's soon-to-be grandson, Dawson Allen Leach. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in New Hampton. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Jeff was born on February 1, 1964, to Jerome and Vera (Wilharm) Leach in Sumner, and he grew up in the Fredericksburg area with his parents and his sister Karie and his brother Travis. He attended school in Fredericksburg, where he excelled in football and track; in fact, for many years, Jeff held the school record in the 200-meter dash. He graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1982 and attended Hawkeye Community College where he studied in the auto body program. Jeff took a job as an auto mechanic with Vern Laures Auto Center in 1986 and spent 30 years "under the hoods" of vehicles. He was one of those guys who always put the customer first. He made sure their cars and trucks were in tip-top condition and was one of those mechanics who believed that his job was to fix vehicles and not try to sell customers something they didn't need. Jeff, though, was first and foremost a family man. He had known Brenda Tierney for years, but one night, the two got to talking while they were attending a dance at Chip's Ballroom in Lawler. The spark was lit that night, the two began dating, fell in love, and were married on May 28, 1988. Jeff and Brenda had two children, Ryan and Ashley, and their father gave them the best gift of all — his time and attention. To this day, the Leach kids remember their Saturdays at the farm, where Jeff loved to give them snowmobile and four-wheeler rides. They also will never forget that their dad was at all their sporting events, that the family enjoyed numerous fun-filled vacations, that they always had a blast carving pumpkins or dying Easter Eggs, that Jeff was an excellent griller and that their dad always made sure Ryan and Ashley knew they had a father who always had their backs. He was a hard worker his entire life. For many years, he worked for Reicks View Farms, especially during the planting and harvesting seasons, which meant he'd work a full day for Vern, head to the fields for another "full day," get home at 2 a.m. and be back to work at the shop early in the morning. Jeff put up a valiant and courageous fight against Stage IV lung cancer for the past six years, and his doctors told his wife and children that he was in many ways, a miracle. Although he had to give up his job at Vern Laures, he worked as a driver for Milkhouse Candles for a while, but more than anything, those that knew Jeff will always remember his tenacity and the positive attitude he showed throughout his tenacious battle He served a couple of years on the New Hampton Library Board and enjoyed giving back to the community where he and his wife raised their family. Jeff also was so looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild — a boy who is scheduled to arrive this April — but we also know that when that young boy arrives, he'll be the proudest grandpa in Heaven. This man who was a wonderful husband to Brenda for almost 34 years, a fantastic father to Ryan and Ashley, and a loyal friend to so many for so long will be dearly missed by many. He taught all of us the value of perseverance and smiling through adversity, and he leaves us with so many great memories. Jeff is survived by his wife, Brenda Leach of New Hampton, IA; one son, Ryan (Brittany) Leach of Waukee, IA; one daughter, Ashley (Blaine) Feltz of New Hampton, IA; father, Jerome "Butch" (Norma) Leach of Fredericksburg, IA; one brother, Travis (Christa) Leach of Jesup, IA; one sister, Karie (Terry) Rethamel of Hampton, VA; mother-in-law, Lois Tierney of New Hampton, IA; brothers and sisters-in-law Barb (John) Kuhn of New Hampton, IA, Brian (Shelly) Tierney of New Hampton, IA, Brad Tierney of Fredrika, IA; one soon to be grandson, Dawson Allen Leach. Jeff was preceded in death by his mother, Vera Leach in 2004; father-in-law, Arnie Tierney in 2021.

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  3. We are so sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer and Dean Speicher

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  7. Our Deepet Sympathyto Brenda, Ashley, Ryan, and entire family. Know prayers and thoughts are with you during this difficult time of Loss. May God grant you strength, comfort and peace. RIP Jeff! James and Lyn Bailey

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  18. I am completely heartbroken for your entire family as you navigate this tremendous loss. Jeff was truly one of the good ones, and he left a lasting impact on all that knew him. Sending love and light during this difficult time.

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  35. Many, many good memories growing up neighbors. You never expect this…..most of our parents have all ready passed away on our block…….never ready for this. May he rest in peace.

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  43. Sending prayers and sympathies to Jeff’s family. I’ll miss visiting with him whether servicing my vehicles or meeting him on a walk. RIP Jeff🙏

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  45. Our Deepest Sympathy to all of Jeff’s family. He truly will be missed by all that knew him. I enjoyed the times working with him at ASO/Milkhouse candles when he was in between runs to Osage. Always ready to pitch in and help out. Hold your memories close to your heart and may the dear Lord ‘s love give you strength in the days to come.

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  53. 😥 So very sorry to hear this unexpected news Brenda.. May your friends and family surround you during this very difficult time.

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  93. So sorry for the lost of your love one, Brenda.
    He is a peace now. No more pain. Keep his memories close to your heart!

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  95. Dear Cousins Butch and Norma, So sorry to learn of Jeffrey’s death. So hard when our kids go before us🥲 May you find comfort in knowing others care also❤️

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  125. Brenda: Take comfort in knowing you were the best wife and caretaker for Jeff during his cancer journey. You were a model for all of us on how to ‘carry on’ on the toughest of days! You enabled him to fight his battle with grace and endurance. He so deserves this rest.

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  133. So sorry to hear that. He was a GREAT man. I enjoyed talking to him when I worked at ASO. He will be missed.

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  137. Condolences to all of Jeff’s family. Growing up neighbors has left lots of memories to cherish. He always had that sheepish grin like he was up to no good , and that most likely included Willie Ponach at his side. Double trouble for sure! Rest in peace, Jeff.

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  145. Thinking of you and your family Brenda. Jeff was a wonderful person and very much a fighter of that evil cancer.
    .

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  151. You have my deepest sympathy. Jeff was a good man and he and my brother Bill had such good times. May he rest in peace.

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  153. Brenda, Ashley and Ryan Jeff was the most kind and caring person I have ever met. He will always be in our hearts. Thoughts, prayers and hugs coming your way. Randy and Mary Jane Leach

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  157. Sorry for your loss! Jeff was a great friend and taught me so much working with him!! DAWNHe will be missed dearly.

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  162. Sooo very sorry for your loss Brenda,Ashley n Ryan. My heart goes out to you all. Hugs n prayers to everyone 😘❤️

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  164. Our thoughts and prayers are with you! Brenda and sons and to you as well Travis and Christa Leach! ❤️🥰🤗🙏

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  166. Our sympathies to you Brenda and your family. We would talk to Jeff at the CWC a couple of years ago and try to keep up with how he was doing. Such a nice guy.

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  167. So sorry to hear this. I loved meeting Karie’s big brother when you all visited Alaska. Sending much love to all right now.

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  205. Brenda and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. May Our Lord Jesus hold you in his arms through this difficult time. Carolyn Nelson

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  219. Prayers for courage, peace and strength for Jeff’s family during this difficult time. Jeff and I were classmates at Fredericksburg High School. He was a quiet and shy guy but always polite and willing to help others. What a great loss at an early age. 🙏🙏

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  225. Brenda so sorry to hear about Jeff, I would ask for Jeff at Vern Laures to work on my car. He was a great guy always friendly.

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  232. Jeff used to work in my Uncle Ron’s garage while in high school and has been a friend of the family for a long time. He was kind enough to attend my grandmother’s visitation and kept in touch with Uncle Ron. He was such a kind and thoughtful person and he will be sorely missed! Wishing you comfort and peace to face the days ahead and loving memories to hold in your hearts.

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  239. My heart goes out to you. Jeff was such a kind person and fought his battle with cancer with courage. He is now his whole self again and no longer suffering. We couldn’t have asked for a better neighbor. Deepest sympathy to all of you. Hugs and prayers!

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  240. Our thoughts and prayers to the family. Jeff was a great person and always had time to say hello. He will be greatly missed.

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  241. So sorry for your loss Brenda & family. My heart goes out to you. Jeff was an amazing man with a heart of gold. I’m so glad my Dad spent time with him taking him to appointments & just cruising around. May the good Lord watch over you. 🙏❤

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  242. Sympathies to all of Jeff’s family! We grew up together in the same neighborhood! Was alway’s Kari and I following Jeff and Willie’s foot steps from riding bike’s down the “P” rock piles, leaf forts, bike races, 4 square, red light green light any many many more fond memories will be cherished, till we meet again my friend! Hugs and prayers to Brenda, Ashley, Ryan and the Rest of you!

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  245. Our deepest sympathy to Brenda and family. Jeff was so nice to talk to at the bank and at the garage. So sorry for your loss….

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  250. Jeff graduated a year before me and our mom’s were friends. Jeff was always such a kind person. My deepest sympathy and prayers to the Leach Family. May God Bless you with comfort and strength.
    Brenda Kirchhoff Berg

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  253. Our deepest sympathy in the loss of Jeff. He was a wonderful husband, father & in-law. He will be missed. Prayers for all.

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  254. I was able to interview and write an article about Mr. Leach for the Tribune’s Relay for Life section a couple of years back. I can attest to his tenacious and incredible attitude that he took toward his long battle with cancer and I wanted to extend my condolences to his family. I lost my father to cancer as well and I sympathize with you in this loss. May you feel God’s comfort during this time. – Lydia Gessner

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