LEACH, Robert E.

Robert E. Leach, 69 years of age, of Beatrice, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on Sunday morning, Jan. 13, 2013, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was born on Sept. 8, 1943, to Glenn and Elizabeth (Walczyk) Leach in York, and has lived in Beatrice since 1944. He graduated from Beatrice High School in 1961. He married the love of his life, Cherie J. Cox, on Feb. 15, 1964. He had been employed for the Natural Resources District working on the Swan Creek Watershed Project, and at Beatrice Wholesale Supply Company. In 1964, he began working side by side with his father, Glenn, at Leach Radiator. Glenn retired in 1978 and Bob continued the family business until he retired in 2006. He was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beatrice; Lifetime member of the Beatrice Gun Club; Gage County Agriculture Society; 3 G's Saddle Club; American Quarter Horse Association and the Foundation Quarter Horse Association; USTRC Roping Association and past member of the Beatrice Eagles Club. Bob was a kind and generous person, willing to share his time and talents with others. He enjoyed riding and training horses, team roping, working outdoors, hunting and fishing, boating, and muscle cars. Most of all, Bob loved and cherished his family and enjoyed spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. Survivors include his wife, Cherie; mother, Elizabeth “Louise” Leach; daughters, Jackie Bornemeier and husband, Doug, Susie Bragg, Traci Baehr and husband, Mike, all of Beatrice; son, Jeffrey Leach, and wife, Sasha, of Cedar Creek; grandchildren Nathan Bornemeier and wife Tawnya, Katie Bornemeier, Anthony Bragg, Jamie and Stephanie Rudder, Ryan Hunt, all of Beatrice, Gwyer, Sagan and Tennyson Leach of Cedar Creek; stepgrandson, Zach Baehr, of Lincoln; great-granddaughter, Natelie Bornemeier, of Beatrice; sister-in-law, Debbie Leach, of Papillion; nephews, Andy Leach of Omaha and Nicholas Leach and wife, Alisha, of Papillion; great-niece, Madysen Leach, of Omaha, and great-nephew, Grayden Leach, of Papillion: many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Leach (2006); grandson, Timmy Bragg (1990); infant grandchild (2006); brother, Dick Leach (2000); parents-in-law, Harold (2000) and Velma (1988) Cox; and brother-in-law, Danny Cox (1994). Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 17, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Beatrice, with Father John Birkel officiating. Interment will be in the St. Joseph Cemetery. The body will lie in state Tuesday from noon to 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice and not at the church. A scriptural prayer services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel, with the family available to greet friends until 8:30 p.m. A memorial has been established to the family's choice with the funeral home in charge. Sign Bob's guest book and watch his video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.