More detail on this person: Leach, Bert G II of Minnetonka MN, age 93, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on 7/11/2023. Born 11/18/1929 in Detroit Lakes MN, he moved to Mpls with his parents in 1938 where he graduated from Central High school in 1947. Bert then went on to receive a BS in Pharmacy at the University of MN in 1952 where he was an active member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. Upon graduation, Bert married Norma Neprud, his loving wife for over 50 years, and enlisted in the US Army where he served valiantly for the next 20 years as ahelicopter pilot. During this time Bert flew helicopters for the 64th MASH Unit in one tour of Korea. This was followed by one tour in Viet Nam with the 93rd Transport Unit (Soc Trang Tigers) and a second tour of duty in Vietnam with the 13th Combat Aviation Battalion (Delta Battalion). During these tours of duty Bert had many harrowing experiences and we were very grateful he lived to tell about them. As atest pilot, he set 6 world speed records and he represented the US Army while flying in the Paris Air Show. During his career he was awarded the Bronze Star, the Legion of Merit, The Distinguish Flying Cross and the Army Air Medal (with six oak leaf clusters). He retired in 1972 as a Lt. Colonel. After his military retirement, Bert was a financial advisor for 26 years. After the end of the Viet Nam War, Bert and Norma spent countless hours helping in the settlement of southeast Asian refugees in the Twin Cities. Over the years they maintained close relationships with many of the refugees they helped as they became productive and successful citizens. Bert and Norma were active members of Minnetonka Lutheran Church, serving as volunteers and choir members since the mid 1970's. For most of the past 72 years he spent summers at the family cabin on Holy Island at Long Lake, Wisconsin. In the winters Bert and Norma often traveled to the southern US, went on cruises, and trips to Europe, often accompanied by some of their many close friends. He was an avid golfer, asailor, and cross country skier. After Norma died in 2002, Bert met Jackie Bohlig. They became constant, loving companions for most of the last 20 years. They played cribbage, went to concerts and movies, and traveled extensively together. Bert did not fear death and faced it many times in his life. In the end he said he was ready to go. He is preceded in death by parents, Bertram Leach and Mabel Leach; wife, Norma Leach (2002); and great granddaughter, Genevieve. He is survived by sons, Bert Leach III (Janene), Mark Leach (Kim); six grandchildren, Alexander Leach (Stephanie), Savanna Leach (Dustin), Caitlin Koplitz (Marcus), Ingrid Wyckoff (Doug), Kirk Leand (Nicole) and Bjorn Leach (Malia); five great grandchildren, Margo, Clare, Rorik, Sage, and Rune; and girlfriend, Jackie Bohlig. Memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church Minnetonka Campus, 16023 Minnetonka Boulevard, Minnetonka, MN 55345 with visitation at 1pm and funeral at 2pm August 10th.
This information was last updated 11/07/2024
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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