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Richard Leach

1957 - 2016

Richard Leach obituary, 1957-2016, St. Cloud, MN

BORN

1957

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Daniel Funeral Homes - Saint Cloud

1010 2nd St. N.

Saint Cloud, Minnesota

Richard Leach Obituary

Richard Leach

St. Cloud

Jan. 26, 1957 - Oct. 18th, 2016

Richard "Rick" J. Leach, 59 died Tuesday, October 18th, 2016

A Celebration of Rick's Life will be held on Saturday, October 29th, 2016 at the Saint Cloud Eagles Club.   Address:  730 41st Ave North.  Fellowship will begin at 12:00 with spiritual ceremony starting at 1:30.  There will be a musical celebration, "jam session" following the ceremony.

Richard Joseph Leach was born on January 26, 1957, in Mankato, MN to Joseph and Alverna (Bruns) Leach.  He attended high school in Melrose. On March 31, 1978, he married Teresa "Terri" Schroeder at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose.  He was a talented musician and luthier.  

Rick enjoyed many activities and got excited about the many ideas and projects he had going on, and sometimes he even finished them. He had an open-door policy at home for anyone that dropped by and could always count on the pot of coffee being ready just in case. He was a very introspective and insightful person, always looking for meaning in the things around him and took awe in the great mysteries of life.

He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, big brother, beloved brother-in-law, favorite uncle, friend and mentor to many.

Rick is survived by his wife, Terri of Saint Cloud;  children, Hannah (Paul) Abraham and John Leach of Sauk Rapids; siblings, Ron (Lori ) Leach, Rob (Mindy) Leach of Sauk Centre, Suhanna "Suki" (Michael) Mills of Freeport, Joe (Barb) Leach of Avon; mother-in-law, Irene "Fitzie" Schroeder of Saint Cloud; brothers and sisters- in- law, Stephanie (Neal) Gilbertson  of Cedar Rapids, IA and Deb ( Eddie) Jurek of Saint Cloud.  

Rick was preceded in death by his parents; Joe and Alverna Leach; father-in- law, Laverne "Gus" Schroeder; and great-nephew, Ethan Timm.

If Rick could write his own obituary; this was his request:

"Rick died.  Boat for sale."

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by St. Cloud Times on Oct. 26, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Richard Leach

Sponsored by Daniel Funeral Homes - Saint Cloud.

Not sure what to say?





Ric L.

October 19, 2024

Things have finally clicked. Thank you for showing me a beacon of hope. It never faded and I have finally reached the shore. Luv ya Man

Ric

June 5, 2023

I sure miss calling you at weird and odd times. Miss ya my friend.

July 20, 2019

He was the guitar doctor. He fixed my Taylor..may God bless him.

Brad

August 24, 2018

Rick played bass for the friends band when my dad no longer could, and we loved his eager, kind spirit.

Peter Mohawk

February 27, 2017

2/26/17 - Tonight I was looking at my 1972 Fender guitar that my mother bought for me on my 14th birthday from Four Winds Music. It was my 1st guitar. I was thinking how well it has worked since Rick repaired the warping neck back in the early 1980s. Now I know he has passed. No matter my faults as a young man, Rick always had time for me because of my love of music. He always gave me his attention when I came to the store. He was a very unique and wonderful person. I cant write anymore. My tears. Rick, I just want you to know my guitar is still playing beautiful music 30 years after your talent and care fixed it. You made a positive difference to the people in this world.

Anthony Mills

December 17, 2016

My dear sweet good man, and family, near and far.
I know not how to improve on all the very kind and gracious words that have been said before me. So, i will leave you with this... May God create more people like you on this earth.

Howard Meuret

November 5, 2016

How do you condense a 35 year friendship into a few short lines? I still can't believe you're gone. Memories. Memories of our days at Al's music... memories of playing gigs at every dive within 100 mile radius. Places like the Canteen, The Camp Bar, Bubbas, (back in the day when the band set up on the floor, making it necessary for the patrons to walk through the "stage" to use the restrooms.) Places with paradoxical names like "FRIENDLY INN" ( I'm sure other musicians will know exactly what I mean)
After the gigs came the loadouts, into subzero temperatures complemented by gale force winds. Lumping your gear into vehicles that should have been scrapped somewhere around the time of the Eisenhower administration.
Now came the fun part. The conversations, that only made sense to sleepy musicians. Sometimes, we built vast empires, sometimes, detailed plans to achieve world peace, and more often than not, topics inappropriate for forums like this.
On a more serious note, as I have been blessed with yet another year of sobriety, I need to thank you for saving my life, and the lives of countless others. I pray for one more day, and the opportunity to possibly pay it forward to someone.
In conclusion, I love you, I miss you, and I thank God I was blessed just to know you.
To all you young musicians, I can only say enjoy those times, and remember "there's always an Econo-line Rolling toward a gig somewhere" :-)

Peter Voegele

November 2, 2016

What a great guy. He was always willing to "cut deal" with you. I first met him at 4 winds where he sold me a '63 Gibson which I still have. Between my kids and I, we did a lot of business with Rick and I was truly surprised to hear of his passing. He also did a bunch of repair work for me. I will certainly miss him and seeing him in his shop. God bless you brother and you are in my prayers.

Bob Gatts

November 1, 2016

Very sorry to hear of Ricks passing. He was a good man and a talented artist.

Ruth Meuret

October 30, 2016

What a loss to so many people! Friend of my son but never hesitated to lend a hand to me. Drop what ever he was doing. Have some guitarist in the family, they felt so blessed to be his friend!
My heart goes out to his family, may God in his own time heal the hurt and heal.
Memories are one gift of God that time cannot
destroy1
Meuret family

Karen Schreifels

October 29, 2016

Easter offers hope to those who grieve.

Theresa Mueller

October 29, 2016

So sorry to the Leach family. I have always had a fondness and special place in my heart for all the Leaches from arts, community and education connections. I was inspired and I was validated. Thank you and God Bless, Theresa Mueller

Mark Stone

October 29, 2016

My sincere condolences to Rick's family. First met Rick at 4-Winds. He had a way of making you feel comfortable just looking around the store and made me feel that I was a musician to be taken seriously, and respected. He became my friend immediately. He knew my tastes in instruments and one day pulled out of the back room a vintage Gibson I could ill-afford. He helped me find a way, and I think of him every time I look at it or play it. Today it seems even more precious. Love you Rick.

Karmie Dwinnell

October 28, 2016

I am still in shock of this truth. There's a photograph I have in which he had that infamous smile on his face and guitar in hand. We have all experienced a loss in some way with his passing. Rest in peace dear man, rest in peace. - Karmie

Mary Lou (Zenk) Negard

October 28, 2016

What a sad, sad time..
I hold you all in my thoughts and prayers as you walk through these tough days and weeks. The boat reference brought a smile to my face. As you share all the memories of Rick, celebrate the love he shared with all he came in to contact,
Hugs,

Sally and Julie

October 28, 2016

We will miss Rick. He always had a smile on his face. Was willing to help anyone in anything. Condolences to Terri and family.

Donard Kunesh

October 27, 2016

my sympathy to Rick's family. We
had some good times singing,praying talking , hoping, wondering and now gone in a flash. Rick will always be missed.He was so generous.

Joyce Schmidt

October 27, 2016

I meet Ricky at Four Winds Music when I was a girl drummer in a Country Rock band. Rick just rescued my old mandolin and my brothers vintage Gibson guitar. Wouldn't trust anyone else - and his work is absolute perfection. Rest in PEACE - my friend.

Always in our Hearts - Forever in our Prayers.

Chris Fuller

October 27, 2016

I'm so sorry to hear about Rick's passing. I remember him as being a kind and generous man. Hannah, Teri, and John, know that you are loved and are being prayed for.

Jeff Bucholz

October 26, 2016

First of all my sympathy and condolences to Terri, Hannah and John as well as the rest of Ricks extended family.
I never did get out to the shop to have you fix the bridge on my Richard Leach acoustic Rick. Last time we talked you told me "stop on out anytime I'll get it taken care of". And as usual time went by with all the crap that comes up and I never got out there. Never take friends for granted. You just never know. Journey well to the spirit world Rick. There are no goodbyes. Toksa (next time).

Laurel Malikowski

October 26, 2016

Sending healing prayers & my heartfelt sympathy to you Terri & your family...

Angie & Ted Vig

October 26, 2016

Joe and Riff Crew, we offer our deepest condolences. Peace to you all.
-Ted and Angie Vig

Larry Severt

October 26, 2016

Rick was a treasured friend and a superb craftsman. When we lived in St. Cloud, I spent many happy hours visiting with Rick. I will miss him and rue the emptiness of no more visits.

Jerry and Joyce Rademacher

October 26, 2016

Teri and family our deepest sympathy

Thomas Nix

October 26, 2016

He brought me a smile anytime I saw Him.

Wade Anderson

October 26, 2016

I met Rick in 1996 when I first moved to St. Cloud. I found Al's music and he showed me and taught me many things about the guitars there. Through the years I would stop into Al's and always find Rick to chew his ear. He always took the time to visit with me and listen to me ramble on. I would see him time to time out in the world and all I can say is he was always such a nice and kind person.
RIP Rick

Paul Campbell

October 26, 2016

RIP Rick so sad you will be missed

My Gretsch that Rick saved

Curt Olmscheid

October 26, 2016

So many memories it's hard to know where to start. Why not at the beginning? Rick would come over to our house when he was about 14 years old and sing the entire version of Alice's Restaurant for me, and my brothers and sister (mostly for my sister). I think that song is at least 30 minutes long. I've stayed in touch over the years, bought my first real guitar from Rick when he worked at Four Winds Music back in 76, Purchased countless $$ of gear from him and most recently he rescued a 1976 Gretsch Model 7609 from the boneyard and is now one of my favorite guitars. Rick was the only guy I'd have fix my guitars and he always did a stellar job . He is already sorely missed.

Kevin Klimek

October 26, 2016

I first met Rick back in the day when he was at Four Winds Music. He always treated me fairly, had a great sense of humor and I got a ton of helpful advice from him whenever I needed it. A class act all the way, he will leave a void that can't be filled, ever. My sincere condolences to his family and friends....

Greg Rolling

October 26, 2016

Truly touched to read Rick's obituary, and in true Rick-ism, left with a smile and a little laugh. Thank you for sharing that with us. I know I'm not alone when I say that Rick always made me feel like a good friend and kindred spirit. He is sorely missed.

Karen Decker

October 26, 2016

Thoughts and prayers to Terri, Hannah and John

Mitch Peterson

October 26, 2016

A very talented and kind man. I had talked to him many times over the years, and he's worked on my guitars. I had a great admiration for him. He will be missed.

kathy kramer

October 26, 2016

Terri, Hannah, & John, Our very deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband and father!! I have many wonderful fond memories of the good times we had when Rick played in the Ravelle's band with my late husband Bill!! Oh, what fun we had "back in the day"!! And talented!! Rick was always seen with a smile and a warm greeting when he ran into an acquaintance!! He will be deeply missed by many!
Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always!
Kathy Kramer & Family

Jan & Rick Woeste

October 26, 2016

We are so sorry for your loss

Chuck Newcomb

October 26, 2016

Rick was a great friend to most ! I watched the demo video of Joe and Rick setting up a guitar and was reminded of a conversation we had many years ago about perfection , making the elusive perfect note, how it alludes us and we keep trying just the same to perfect it...well Rick was a perfect friend and if perfection is what you seek , I am sure he has found it where ever he is smiling, at us in that all knowing grin of his like he has a secret only he knew...God bless his soul and all he touched with peace and joy as he travels in the spirit to a better place, way too soon!

Ann Bergeron-Mccoy

October 26, 2016

Thinking of all of you in this time of sadness
When someone you care about becomes a memory- The memory becomes a treasure.
Family friend and babysitter

Bob Hollie

October 26, 2016

I will miss my friend.

Sherri Jeffery

October 26, 2016

My sincere sympathies to Rick's family and friends. I have known Rick since we were kids. We met at Four Wind Music so many years ago! He was always kind and wonderful to me. Rick was also very supportive during Dave's (my husband) illness and his passing. Thank you, Rick, for always being such a good friend and a genuine loving person. God's peace and grace to his family.

Phil Schreifels

October 25, 2016

Every time I saw Rick, he had a funny joke for me so I always smile whenever I think of him. Right now, he's probably at the gates of heaven doing some stand up comedy. I will greatly miss him.

Bill Langen

October 25, 2016

I started making stringed instruments about 12 years ago. My work is amateurish now and was even more so 12 years ago when I first showed an instrument to Rick. On that occasion and on the many times since then that I've visited to get his opinion and advice he was always extremely supportive and generous with his time and his expertise. His own work showed his meticulous craftsmanship and his constant quest for perfection, and he never hesitated to demonstrate a technique or explain the solution to a problem. His passing is a deep loss for the crafts community in Minnesota, for guitarists and guitar makers generally and for me personally. My heartfelt condolences to his family and to all who were fortunate to have him as a friend.

Showing 1 - 44 of 44 results

Make a Donation
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Memorial Events
for Richard Leach

Oct

29

Visitation

12:00 p.m.

Saint Cloud Eagles Club

MN

Oct

29

Celebration of Life

1:30 p.m.

Saint Cloud Eagles Club

MN

Funeral services provided by:

Daniel Funeral Homes - Saint Cloud

1010 2nd St. N., Saint Cloud, MN 56303

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