Leonard Andrew Burch

Leonard Andrew Burch was born on March 6, 1948, to Donald Burch and Helen (Klindt) Hinrichs in Pipestone, Minnesota. Leonard was raised in Pipestone by Alfred and Helen Hinrichs, along with his three siblings. He participated in the Boy Scouts, and enjoyed spending time with the family dog, Sparky. He was baptized on July 15th, 1951, at St. John's Lutheran Church in Trosky, Minnesota, and was later confirmed on May 20th, 1962, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Pipestone. He attended Pipestone Area High School, graduating with the class of 1966. Leonard was a hard worker - he was truly a jack of all trades. He worked in Sioux Falls, South Dakota from 1989 to 1997 at Nash Finch as a HVAC technician in the food distribution warehouse. From 1997 to 2000, Leonard lived in Pipestone and worked at the Royal River Casino as a maintenance technician. Moving from Pipestone to Marshall, Minnesota in 2000, Leonard worked at Project Turnabout as a Human Services Tech until 2012. His work at Project Turnabout was his greatest contribution to the community. He truly tried to help every person to the best of his ability. Sometimes that was teaching basic life skills, other times it was lending an ear to listen. 

Leonard will be remembered for his kindness, his beaming smile, and his humility. He was always ready to help, and would give the shirt off his back if you needed it. He gave of himself physically, mentally, and financially for the betterment of those around him, and the causes he cared deeply about. He was called a good friend by many around him. His values were those of the Creator's, always trying his best to live life in God's image. Leonard loved to travel to various churches in the local area to hear sermons and to connect with others. His hobbies included fishing and automotive culture. He enjoyed going to car shows and he was always quick to point out a rare classic car.

Leonand is survived by his children. Austin (Alba) Burch of Rio Rancho, New Mexico and Lauren (Jeremy) Wallaert of Estacada, Oregon; sibling Elaine (Elroy) Uilk of Pipestone, Minnesota; and five grandchildren, Adeline, Autumn & Amelia Burch, and Hailey & Norah Wallaert. He is preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Helen Hinrichs; and his brother, Edward Burch.