Dawn Denice (Smith) Leech

Dawn Denice Leech, age 67, of Mankato, MN died Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at her home surrounded by family.  A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Woodland Hills Chapel in Mankato.  Visitation is one hour prior to the service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Donate Life America. https://donatelife.net/

Obituary – Dawn Denice Leech was born December 16, 1957 in Mankato to Glenn and Flora (Evans) Smith. She married James Joseph Leech on July 24, 1982 in North Mankato. She worked at Carlson Craft and retired from MSU as Director of Information Technology Services. Dawn, an avid Vikings fan, enjoyed sewing, audio books, crocheting, camping, fi shing and – most of all – spending time with her family. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Lentz Post 11.

Dawn is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Leech of Mankato; son James M. Leech, Jr. of Rochester, MN; daughter, Jamie M. Leech-Kelly (and her husband Gordon) of Austin, MN; grandchildren, Joseph (and his wife Ali), Daymon, Daxton, Sydnie, Dallas, Devon, Dylan and Savannah; great grandchild, Madisen; she leaves behind a brother, Russell (and his wife Emily) Smith of Winona, MN; along with two sisters, Pamela J. Smith-Heinen of Austin, MN and Vickie B. Emelife of Maplewood, MN; also many nieces, nephews, in-laws, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Glenn “Shag”, George and Marvin; sister, Karen; great grandson, Grayson; 3 nephews, Gerald, Glenn Jr and Greg; 1 niece, Justina.