A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, May 22, 2023 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Holt, MN, with Shawn Wagner officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, rural Middle River, MN. Visitation will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, with a 5:00 PM Prayer Service on Sunday, May 21, 2023 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the service on Monday at the church.

Walter Lee Leach Jr. was born on January 3, 1947 in Thief River Falls, MN, the son of Walter Leach Sr. and Helene (Welch) Leach. He was baptized and confirmed into the Catholic faith. Walter attended school in Thief River Falls, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1965.

In 1966 Walter enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam Era, stationed in Germany as a Specialist 5 Helicopter Crew Chief and Tech Inspector. He was honorably discharged in 1969.

On August 21, 1971 Walter married Constance Ann Severts in Middle River, MN. Together they made their home in Thief River Falls and later in rural Holt, MN. Their family was blessed with three children – Nikki, Shannon, and Shawn.

Walter spent most of his employed years at L.B. Hartz Wholesale in Thief River Falls. Following his time there he worked at Machinewell in Grygla until his retirement.

Walter’s favorite pastimes included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and collecting sports cards. Walter was a gun enthusiast and an award-winning trap shooter.

Walter was a member of the American Legion in Middle River.

He will be remembered as a proud husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Walter is survived by his loving wife, Connie; children, Nikki (Patrick) Nieman, Shannon (Kelly) Leach, and Shawn (Toni Giddley) Leach; grandchildren, Hailea (Trevor) Page, Hunter (Karlee) McMillin, Hudson McMillin, and Ruby and Marshall Leach; greatgrandchildren, Eleanor and Adeline Page and Walter McMillin; sister, Darcy Faus; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helene Leach; siblings, Wayne, Jeff, and Marcia; and grandson, Conner Lee.

May his memory be blessed.