George Robert Leach

1924 - 2022

George Robert Leach, age 98, son of the late George H. and Clara P. Leach, died on April 18, 2022 at Wausau Aspirus Hospital. He is survived by his spouse of 77 years, Shirley I. Leach, his daughter, Kathi L. Leach-Downs (Michael), his son, Robert K. Leach (Katie), son-in-law, William Myers, four grandchildren, Alexander Leach, Melissa Patrick, Grant Myers, and Meghan MacNeil, and were blessed with three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Deborah Myers, brother, John Leach, and sister, Donna Selz.
Dr. Leach was born in Dexter, Missouri, January 24, 1924. He spent his early years in Grantsburg in Southern, Illinois. His family was in the timber business and he worked in the woods and the sawmills during his off hours and school vacations. He graduated from Vienna Township High School in 1942.
George Leach married Shirley Sullivan on April 11, 1945 in Dearborn, MI. They were happily married for 77 years and enjoyed skiing, hiking & traveling around the world. Leach served in the Army during World War Il. After the war, he took Pre-Med at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Illinois College of Optometry, Cum Laude, in 1949.
On October 24, 1949, he opened his optometric office on Main Street in Stevens Point and as he often said "enjoyed an occupation which was also an avocation." He also found time to give back to his profession in serving almost every appointive and elective office in his state association including two years as President. He was a member of the American Optometric Association and a Fellow of the American Academy of Optometrists.
George enjoyed Toastmasters Club in Stevens Point, served as President twice and served as President of the Noon Lions Club.
Leach was also active in the Boy Scouts of America. He was a Cub master & Scoutmaster for many years. He served as Roundtable Commissioner, District Training Chairman, and Council Training Chairman and was awarded the Silver Beaver and the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow.
George also was Director of First Financial Savings Bank which later merged with Associated Bank of Green Bay.
Family services will be held at a later date.