Emma Pauline Leach

Emma Pauline Leach, 92, formerly of Berrien Springs now of St. Joseph, MI passed away at Caretel Inns of Lakeland on Sat., Jan. 4, 2014. Arrangements have been entrusted with Starks & Menchinger Chapel and Cremation Services of St. Joseph. Emma was born on August 11, 1921 in Berrien Springs, MI to Carl and Amelia (Kepp) Rhode. On March 9, 1946 in Berrien Springs she married Glen Leach; he preceded her in death on Jan. 29, 1996. Together Emma and Glen owned and operated Leach Gas and Electric, serving the tri-county area. Emma was formerly a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Berrien Springs, most recently she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. Emma was also a member of the Ladies Aid at Trinity. Emma is survived by her children – Jeannie (Gary) Scharnowske of Berrien Springs, Jackie (Richard) Sadler of Berrien Springs, James (Jan) Leach of St. Joseph, Joseph (Nancy) Leach of Dowagiac and Jerry (Doreen) Leach of Baroda; eight grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a sister Virginia (Paul) Nuespitel of Sanford, FL. She is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Amelia, her husband Glen, two sisters Elizabeth Schultz and Lorraine Zelmer, and two brothers Robert and August Rohde. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014, 11:30 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens, Niles, MI. Visitation is at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, on Tues., Jan. 7 from 5:00-8:00pm. Memorial contributions may be made to either Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Joseph or Berrien Springs, or to Hospice At Home. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.