Robert Gene Leach

In Loving Memory of Robert Gene Leach October 8, 1951 - June 20, 2025 

With hearts full of love and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the life of Robert Gene Leach, affectionately known as “Bob” to his many friends and family. Bob passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and unwavering loyalty to the people and passions he loved most. 

Bob was born on October 8, 1951, in St. Paul, Nebraska. His family later moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, where he spent his formative years enjoying lake life and the tight-knit community around it. A proud graduate of Detroit Lakes High School, Class of 1969, Bob’s path was soon shaped by a call to serve his country. 

In January 1971, Bob entered the United States Army and was stationed in Germany during his service. He was honorably discharged in January 1973 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and a Sharpshooter designation—testament to his steady hand and steadfast character. 

Bob’s professional life spanned decades, with a career that began in sales and later shifted to secure transport with Granite City/Alpha 6, where he found fulfillment in the responsibility and camaraderie of his work before retiring. Outside of work, Bob’s life was filled with hands-on passions and joyful projects. He was a Jeep enthusiast who loved restoring and off-roading his vehicles, always eager to explore the unbeaten path. Among his proudest accomplishments was the full restoration of a classic Chris-Craft boat, which he lovingly named Pamela’s Patience—a tribute to his then-wife, Pamela Leach. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Sarah Leach, on October 3, 1988, who would remain the brightest light in his life. 

As Sarah grew, so did her love for horses, a passion that Bob not only supported, but truly embraced. Whether he was offering a helping hand or simply soaking in the peace of the place, Bob loved spending time with Sarah at Timberline Ranch, where he became a beloved part-time cowboy and proud horse dad. In his later years, Bob found deep peace and happiness visiting Sarah and her fiancé, Chris Tyge, relaxing to his beloved vinyl records and soaking in the view of the lake he loved so dearly. His taste in music was as rich and timeless as the stories he shared. 

Bob is survived by his daughter Sarah Leach (Chris Tyge); brother Jo Leach (Deb); sister Sharon Matson of Moorhead, MN; stepdaughter Amy Wolf of Detroit Lakes, MN; nephews Michael and Matthew Leach of Detroit Lakes, MN; niece Amy Hanawalt of Seattle, WA; and Aunt Mary Lu Koll of Ord, NE. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Betty Jo Leach (April 15, 1932 – August 13, 2022) and Emitt Leach (December 30, 1925 – December 31, 2016). 

Bob will be remembered for his bold spirit, mechanical curiosity, deep loyalty, and warm, teasing sense of humor. His life was one full and abundant. While he may no longer be physically with us, his legacy lives on in the stories we tell, the songs we play, and the roads and trails still left to explore.

A celebration of Bob's life will take place at a later date.