Steven Wayne Leach

Steven Wayne Leach, 80, of Springfield, passed away Monday, April 15, 2024, at Regency Care in Springfield.

Steve was born July 3, 1943, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Ralph and Alice Mae (Strode) Leach.  He married Nancy Lee Bischoff on August 6, 1966, in Granite City, Il.

He was preceded in death by son Scott Leach and daughter Laurie Farmer.

Steve graduated from Rochester High School and received his Accounting Degree from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.  At SIU, he played trombone in the marching Salukis band and was a member of the University orchestra.

He began his career as a bank examiner in Chicago with the State of Illinois.  After marriage, he was an accountant for the Neighborhood Youth Corps in St. Louis.  Upon returning home to Rochester, he worked for the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Federated Funeral Directors and the last remaining 31 years of his career as an auditor with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Steve served as a Recorder and Board Member of the Rochester Cemetery, Director of the Illinois Rabbit Breeders Association and a Treasurer of The Rochester Historical Preservation Society for 20 years.  He also served as a Bus Driver for the Joy Group and Kids programs of the Rochester United Methodist Church where he was a member.  In 2010, he received recognition as the Rochester Citizen of the year.  He enjoyed fishing, playing softball, traveling, and especially riding motorcycles. 

He is survived by his wife Nancy Leach of Springfield, daughter Leslie (John) Preuss and 3 grandchildren: Jack Preuss and Alice and Maryn Farmer.

Visitation will be held at the Rochester United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 21, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with funeral service at 4 p.m.  Burial will follow at the Rochester Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Rochester Historical Preservation Society.  Wilson Park Funeral Home oversaw arrangements. 

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