Robert Norman Leach's Obituary
Big Rapids - Robert Norman Leach, 87, of Big Rapids, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 27, 2020.
He was born August 3, 1932, in Flint, MI the son of Ernest and Gladys (Armstrong) Leach.
Bob was raised in Flint, where he embarked on a long and storied career in sports as a player and coach. It all started at Flint Central where he lettered in three sports and played on the 1947 Class A State Football Championship team. Bob continued to play baseball for the University of Michigan and garnered two Big Ten and 1953 NCAA Baseball Championships. His coaching career began at Carson City High School for 4 years, followed by Flint Central for the next 8 years in football and baseball. Bob then accepted the head football coaching position at Ferris State University in 1967 where he produced the 1st Undefeated Football Team in Ferris's history, and was voted the Michigan and Mid-West College Coach of the year in 1968. Building on that success, he joined the NFL's St. Louis Cardinals in 1971 as the Defensive Line Coach where he retired from coaching 2 years later.
He returned to Ferris State University and retired as the Vice-President for University Advancement and Marketing in 1994. Bob later served on the FSU Emeriti Board organizing Florida Alumni and Emeriti meetings. Longing to be back on the gridiron, Bob coached in the Michigan Charity Football League for 2 years.
Bob received a number of sports and humanitarian awards: Optimist Award, Flint Central High School "Distinguished Alumni", Greater Flint Area Sports "Hall of Fame", Mecosta County "Hall of Fame", Ferris State University "Hall of Fame", Michigan Sports Sage Board of Directors.
Active in his church, he taught Sunday school, served as a Deacon and Gideon of the First Baptist Church of Big Rapids. Bob also served as an inspirational speaker at clinics, churches, schools, banquets, clubs, and commencement services. What gave him the most pleasure was hunting, fishing, golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his friends and family.
On February 14, 1982 he married Mary Louise Sauer, who survives. Bob is also survived by his children, Kerry (William) Voelker; Linda (Dr. George) Nicolas, Dr. Robert (Jill) Leach, Dean (Katy) Leach; and Randall (Lynne) Leach; 12 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, twin brother Richard Leach and grandson Randy Jr.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be from 12-3 p.m., with a memorial service beginning at 1 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2020 at Clear Lake Golf Club. Memorial contributions may be made to the Bob and Mary Louise Leach Scholarship Endowment, c/o F.S.U. Advancement Office, Prakken Bldg., Big Rapids, MI, 49307. Care and arrangements are entrusted to the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Share a memory or express condolences at mohnkefuneralhome.com.
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