Mary Jo Leach 07/14/2024

Mary Jo was born in Mondovi, WI on January 18, 1943. She graduated from Mondovi High School in 1961. She attended Winona Technical School and graduated with a degree in Cosmetology in 1969. She worked in the beauty business for approximately 10 years- including owning and operating her own shop for five years. Health issues forced her to give up the beauty business. She attended Winona State University in 1982 and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education in 1987. She worked as a teacher for approximately 10 years. She taught 1st grade at Winona Christian School for two years until it closed. She then went on teaching Christian Pre-School. She officially retired from teaching in 2000. Teaching was her favorite job. After retiring from teaching, she continued to work part time at many different jobs. In 2007, Mary Jo and her husband, Terry, moved to Cedar Crest Apartments. In 2010, they were hired by Gerrard Corporation to be managers for Cedar Crest Apartments. Mary Jo enjoyed planning different activities and functions for the residents. She loved every part of being manager and helping their friends. She remained friends with Cedar Crest residents for many years. Unfortunately, Mary Jo and Terry had to move on. In 2015, Impact Seven hired Mary Jo as Property Manager for Gray’s Landing in Hudson, WI. Then in 2019, she returned to Gerrard Corporation to be manager of Maxwell Apartments in Hudson, WI. Mary Jo married Terry Leach on June 4, 1966. They adopted a daughter (8-week-old Sarah) in 1977 and a son, (six-week-old Nathan) in 1981. They owned and operated a dairy farm in Alma, WI where they lived and raised their family from 1982 until July of 2002. Mary Jo had many interests, including church work, reading, puzzles, crocheting, sewing, quilting, playing cards, watching football with Brett Favre, and spending time with her grandsons and children.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Sylvia and Edward Bloss; stepmother, Orene Bloss; husband, Terry Leach; grandson, Cohl Myher; siblings, Jim Bloss, Bob Bloss, Bill Bloss, and Sylvia Weiss. Mary Jo is survived by her children, Sarah (Travis) Myher, Nathan (Amy) Leach; grandchildren, Hunter Myher, Gunner Myher, Carson (Mackenzie) Hoyer; great-grandchildren, Rylan and Rowan Hoyer; siblings, Susan (John) Loomis, David Bloss, Mike (Deb) Bloss, Tonya (Dan) Svensen; special friend, David Leach.
A Celebration of Mary Jo’s Life was held on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at 11 am at C3 Church 7562 US Highway 10 Ellsworth, WI 54011. Visitation was also on Saturday, August 10, 2024 from 10-11 am at the church.  A Luncheon followed the service. Cremation Services provided by Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.