SSG Robert Daniel Leach, age 49 of New Ulm died unexpectedly on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at the New Ulm Medical Center in New Ulm.

A memorial visitation will take place from 10 am – 1pm on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at the Minnesota Valley Funeral Home-South Chapel in New Ulm.

Full military honors will be provided at 1 pm by the New Ulm Area Comrades of Valor Honor Guard at the funeral home followed by a reception in the social hall.

To leave an online condolence for his family, or to sign the guestbook, go to: mvfh.org

Robert is survived by his wife, Stacy Leach of New Ulm; his sons, Michael and Alex Leach of Missouri, and Jackson Leach of New Ulm; his mother, Irene (David) Chapman of Liberty, Texas; his mother-in-law, and father-in-law, Nancy and Paul Knakmuhs of New Ulm; his sister, Jo Anne (Byron) Barber of Texas; his brother, Daniel (fiancé Megan Bogner) Chapman of Texas; his brothers-in-law, John Knakmuhs of Marshall, James (Hannah) Knakmuhs of Melrose, David (Sam) Knakmuhs of Lake Crystal; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford "Doug" Leach.

Robert Daniel Leach was born on November 25, 1973, in Harris County, Texas to Clifford and Irene (Wilmot) Leach.  He attended grade school and high school in Texas before proudly serving his country in the U.S. Army.  Robert served from 2007-2013 as a helicopter mechanic.  He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii, and Fort Bragg, North Carolina and served two tours of duty, one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan before he was honorably discharged in 2013.  He was united in marriage to Stacy Knakmuhs on August 1, 2008, in Honolulu, Hawaii.  Robert was quite proud that he started his career in autobody as a teenager working with family.  He took what he learned in the autobody field, and made that his career working at Hendricks Collision in Fayetteville, North Carolina and later Jerry's Autobody and Glass in Mankato.  Robert was most recently employed at ASI Jet in Hutchinson.  When he wasn't working, Robert enjoyed spending as much time outdoors as possible.  He enjoyed passing his love of fishing and camping onto his son Jackson.  As a talented and artistic wood-worker, there was very little he couldn't create.  Robert was the kind of man who would do anything for someone else in need.  He had a kind, giving, and generous heart that will forever be remembered by all who had the honor of knowing him.  What he took the most pride in was always his family and enjoyed every moment he got to spend with them.  Although he was taken from this world too soon, countless memories of Robert will forever stay in the hearts of those who knew him best.  Blessed be those memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.