Verle Leach

Verle Leach, 87, of Moorhead, MN, died Friday, December 6, 2019, at Bethany on University, Fargo, ND. Verle was born on July 25, 1932, to Earl and Olive (Perkins) Leach. He grew up on the family farm near Hawley, MN. On October 3, 1952, Verle married Marjorie “Margie” Engelke. Together they made their home in Hawley. Shortly after, Verle enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the Tank Co. 53^rd Regiment Infantry until 1954. Following his active duty, he returned home to help on the farm. Over the years he worked for Dugan’s Transport and Anderson Pontiac in Moorhead.  In the 1960’s, he joined the Clay County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse to support the community during emergency situations. He later joined the Dilworth Police Department, where he worked for several years. Verle eventually worked for the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and retired as a Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff.

Verle was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He enjoyed fishing, watching Twins baseball, and was an avid reader. He loved spending time with his family, his dog, Cash, and more recently had fun playing video games. He looked forward to summers of camping at Pinehurst Resort in Naytahwaush, and later at Sunset Island.

Verle is survived by his daughters, Sandra (Robert) Gard of Pelican Rapids, MN, Lori (Kyle) Champ of Omaha, NE; grandchildren, Kirsten Champ and Jeremiah (Ricky Greenwell) Gard; brothers, Marvin Fogel, Gary Leach, Charles (Rita) Leach; sister, Shirley (Wesley) Berg; and sister-in-law, Debbie Leach.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie; daughter, Deborah; parents, Earl and Olive; brothers, Reuben Fogel and Virgil Leach; sister, Betty (Don) Brunelle; and sisters-in-law, Irene Fogel and Karen Leach.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Red River Zoo in Fargo, Marshmallow Foundation in Detroit Lakes or an animal shelter of donor’s choice.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 12, from 12:00 – 1:00 pm, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 pm, in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.