Header Logo

Jerome Leach

jerome leach

November 13, 1944 ~ July 18, 2023

Light a Candle

Add a Memory to the Timeline

Sign the Guestbook

Send Flowers

Jerome "Butch" Leach age 78 of Fredericksburg, died Tuesday, July 18, 2023 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 28, 2023, at Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg with Rev. Scott Smith officiating. For those unable to attend the Service in person please join the family via Livestream at the Link Below. https://foveo.stream/hugeback-johnson/jerome-butch-leach Inurnment will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Fredericksburg with Brett Leach, Alek Rethamel, Ryan Leach, Garrett Rethamel, Jordan Leach, Justin Leach, Jacob Leach, Ashley Feltz, and Kayley Rethamel serving at urnbearers. Honorary urnbearers are Carter Hughes, Crayton Leach, and Dawson Leach. Friends may greet the family from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2023, at Hugeback - Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory in Fredericksburg. Visitation continues an hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Jerome Kenneth "Butch" Leach, a loving and adventurous soul, passed away on July 18, 2023, in Fredericksburg, IA, due to injuries sustained in a pedestrian/automobile accident. Born on November 13, 1944, in New Hampton, IA, the son of Derwood and Maxine (Potratz) Leach. Butch was a man of many talents and interests, always ready for a new adventure. Butch attended school in Fredericksburg and graduated from Fredericksburg High School in 1963. He was introduced to his first wife, Vera Wiharm, through mutual friends and the couple married on October 19, 1963, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sumner, IA. They were blessed with three children, Jeff in 1964, Karie in 1967, and Travis in 1970. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage together before Vera sadly passed away in 2004. Butch met Norma Pickar at a Christmas program at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sumner, and they had their first date on New Year's Day in 2005. The couple married on August 1, 2006, at the Peace United Church of Christ in Fredericksburg, blending their families together. For 36 years, Butch dedicated his professional life to John Deere in Waterloo, where he specialized as a machinist. Even while working there, he continued to farm the family Homestead Century farm for 33 years until 2010. His analytical mind and meticulous nature were evident in both his professional and personal life, especially in his cooking, where he ensured everything was just right. A passionate fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes and UNI Panthers, Butch loved going for a cruise in his convertible with no particular destination in mind, letting the journey be the adventure. He enjoyed yard work, gardening, and canning pickles. He loved to travel, with memorable trips to Alaska, Hawaii and Japan being particular highlights. But above all, he loved his family and cherished every moment spent with them. Butch is survived by his wife, Norma Leach of Fredericksburg, IA; son, Travis (Christa) Leach of Jesup, IA; daughter, Karie (Terry) Rethamel of Hampton, VA; daughter-in-law, Brenda Leach of New Hampton, IA; step-son, Tony (Cindy) Hoth of Sumner, IA; step-daughter, Dr. Shawn Peters of Forest Grove, OR; nine grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren; four brothers, Robert (Glenice) Leach of La Porte City, IA, James Leach of McPherson, KS, Randy (Mary Jane) Leach of Fredericksburg, IA, Leon (Robbie Fye) Leach of Cedar Falls, IA; one sister, Linda (Richard) Marszalek of Mundelein, IL; sister-in-law, Sherri Leach of Waterloo, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Vera; son, Jeff Leach in February 2022; brother, Gerry Leach; and sister-in-law, Veryl Leach. Butch's life was a testament to his loving and adventurous spirit, and he will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know him. His legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends, and in the many lives he touched during his remarkable journey.

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

View the Timeline Add a Memory to the Timeline

Guestbook

  1. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Dena and Zac Palmer and Dean Speicher

    Reply

  24. Deepest sympathy to the Leach family. So sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and hugs your way. ❤️ 💙 🙏 🙏 🙏

    Reply

  46. Well, I think Butch was the last parent left of our old neighborhood block. They have all passed away, and all that is left is the hell raising kids! I am so sorry to hear of his death. My sincere sympathy to Norma, Karie, Travis, and the extended families. Lisa (Schoonover) Herold

    Reply

  48. Norma, Tim and I are so very sorry for your loss. This is so hard to believe as we were just with you Sunday. Hugs and prayers dear.

    Reply

  49. We are very sorry to hear of Butch’s death. Condolences and prayers to his family.
    Lance and Janice Fenneman Manson

    Reply

  100. Dave and I send our sympathy to you Norma and the entire family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Reply

  105. So sorry to hear of the loss of Butch. Norma and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace.

    Reply

  109. So incredibly sorry Norma and family. Butch was always so kind to us. Our prayers are with you all.

    Reply

  113. Norma, We are so very sorry for your loss. We are very grateful that we spent time with you both last Sunday. Hugs and prayers dear.

    Reply

  114. Dear “Big” Butch” (as we two cousins were known — I was “Little” Butch — when we were childhood playmates every summer on the Grandma & Grandpa Potratz New Hampton farm) it breaks my heart that you are no longer with us. I promise that you will be missed by me and many others and that you will not be forgotten. I am so happy that we were able to reconnect every so often even though I now live miles away from you. I know that our God will assure that you rest in peace in Paradise.

    Reply

  115. May the memories of your loved one be consoling today. Our prayers to his family. Jeanne and David Roder

    Reply

  117. our thoughts and prayers go out his family….. He was always a very kind man. With a true love for his family

    Reply

  119. We are so very sorry for your loss, Norma and family. I am so grateful for the times we have been able to visit with you and Butch in your home. May you all be blessed with peace, comfort and special memories to keep Butch with you in your hearts!

    Reply

  121. Larry Richardson
    Rosenberg,Texas
    Words to express condolences to your family Jerome. But I remember your actions and spirited competition on the football field and in our mutual classrooms. Watch out for those angels !!!
    sincerely,
    Larry

    Reply

  123. Norma and family Out condolences to you. I enjoyed the times with Butch when he stopped at our store to “negotiate” on purchasing items. So sorry for your loss.

    Reply

  124. Our deepest sympathies to your family.
    Thank God for His promise that one day, you can be together again. (John 3:16)
    Rev. 21: 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
    Karie and Garrett, I am Praying for you all at this very difficult time.

    Reply

Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Free Planning Kit

Receive FREE Information

Request Now
Header Logo