Bertram Leech

January 10, 1926 — July 2, 2014

Marion-Bertram G. Leech, 88, died peacefully with family and friends at his side, on Wednesday, July 2, 2014 while at Mt. Vernon’s Good Samaritan Hospital. Bert was born in Zion, IL on January 10, 1926 to loving parents Grover and Minnie (Heath) Leech. He was the youngest of four children born of this union. Brothers Kenneth and Finley and sister Shirley all welcomed him into the family. Bert attended and graduated from Zion schools and was active in the band. He was an avid musician, especially loving the saxophone. While finishing high school, Bert and his best friend Burton Lee enlisted in the Army. Unfortunately, Burton was killed in western Germany while Bert convalesced from a bout of rheumatic fever in Aberdeen, MD. He missed his buddy for the rest of his life. While recovering in Aberdeen, Bert met and married Allen Fisher. They were married for over 30 years and had three children; Nancy A. McKeand (Bob), L. Grover Leech (Tracy Prosser) and Craig B. Leech (Natalie). Their marriage ended in divorce. Bert then married Mary Jean Bach, nee Taylor, whom he knew from school in Zion. They lived in the northern IL area until 1991 when they moved to southern IL. They spent many years in the Lake of Egypt/Marion area enjoying their church family, dancing, volunteering and spending time alone with each other. Bert spent his life working primarily in the baking industry. For a brief time after his discharge from the Army, he worked at the Wilbur Curtis Glass Company, but when the company moved to California, Bert elected to stay in Zion and go to work for Zion Industries. He worked there for several years with his brother Finley and father Grover, who were the Production Manager and General Manager, respectively. Later, Bert served as Traffic Manager and finally General Manager before the plant was sold and moved operations. Bert was active in Aldersgate Union Methodist Church, where he particularly enjoyed attending Sunday school and visiting with the many friends he made there. Bert was preceded in death by his mother, father, brothers and sister as well as his wife Mary Jean. He is survived by his children; Nancy, Grover, Craig and step children Edward “Skip” Bach Jr., Christi Bach, Cindi Bach Phillips, John Bach and Thomas Bach. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, The family wishes to express thanks to Bert’s many friends and to all those who cared for him and loved him. Special thanks to his caregivers Rhonda, Nancy, Sabrina, Heather, Bubba, Summer and Sue, who worked tirelessly to provide him with whatever he needed; to Dr. Griffin and his staff; to neighbors Rick and Clara and to the Bi-County Health Department staff. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 2pm at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Marion with Rev. Tim Ozment officiating. Burial will be at Zion’s Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Tuesday from 1pm until the time of service at the church. Blue Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Meals on Wheels or to the Marion Senior Citizens Center and will be accepted at Blue Funeral Home/ 1704 N. Court St/ Marion, IL 62959.

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Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Starts at 2:00 pm (Central time)

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

, Marion, IL 62959

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Bertram Leech

January 10, 1926 — July 2, 2014

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Past Services

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