James Verle Leek

James Verle Leek, age 76, of Laporte Minnesota went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, September 17th, 2019 from the St. Cloud Hospital in St. Cloud, MN.

Jim was born on March 18th, 1943 in Jefferson, IA, the only son of Francis and Helen (Ferry) Leek. He married his high school sweetheart, Patty Hubby on November 13th, 1961.  Jim and Patty lived near Ogden, Iowa, where they farmed and fed cattle for 14 years before moving to Steamboat Lake, MN.  Together, they raised 5 children.  Jim loved to explore and had an insatiable wanderlust.  As an over-the-road truck driver he saw more of this country than most of us will ever experience.  He enjoyed his trips to Alaska in the last few years of his career.  He loved to fish and enjoyed nature, whether it was watching loons on the lake, feeding deer in the front yard or spotting moose on the Alaska Highway.  His best furry friend went with him everywhere.  Molly was his loyal companion and her greatest joy was spending time with him.  He had many 4 legged sidekicks over the years, but Molly is something special.  He loved his horse and riding was a source of pleasure for him in his retirement. He loved to work with old tractors and was passionate about his extensive gun collection.  Jim cherished his family and friends and had wonderful support system.  He loved coffee, conversation and chocolate. He had a quirky sense of humor that evoked many eye rolls by his children but also many laughs.  He was kindhearted and selfless.  He will be missed.

Jim is welcomed home by his parents, Francis and Helen and his sister, Janet.

Those he leaves behind to cherish his memory are his wife, Patty Leek of Laporte; his children, David Leek of Laporte, Bill (Laurie) Leek of Hawaii, Matt (Cami) Leek of Osage, Jessica (Wes) Leek of Savannah, GA and Vanessa (Brent) Berg of Barnesville; grandchildren, Randi Morrow and Jacob and Mariah Berg, one great grandson, Finnley Morrow; sister, Beverly Ray; his trucking pal Molly, other family members and many friends.

Funeral services for Jim will be held on Monday, September 23rd at 2:00 p.m. at Hope Lutheran Church in Walker, MN.  Visitations are planned for Sunday evening, September 22nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and again on Monday, September 23rd from 1:00-2:00 p.m. both being held at Hope Lutheran Church.  Pastor Matthew McWaters will officiate.  Helping to lay Jim to rest are David Leek, Bill Leek, Brent Berg, Joel Hamilton, Bill Kruse, Jan VanVickle, Jeff Smith and Bill Ofstedahl.  His honorary pallbearers are Arlen Boll, Doug Aird and his grandchildren, Randi Morrow, Jacob Berg, Mariah Berg and Finnley Morrow.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery at Walker, MN following his Monday services.

Jim’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com 

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