Linda Kae LeMahieu-Leach

Born and raised in Battle Creek, Michigan, Linda LeMahieu graduated from Pennfield High School (1965), before moving on to Nazareth College and Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where she studied Criminal Justice.

Carrying this passion for Criminal Justice into her professional life, Linda worked for the Region III Crime Commission and the Criminal Justice Commission until 1985, during which she created the Subpoena by Mail Program for Kalamazoo County.

It was while working for Kalamazoo County that she met her former husband Gerald LeMahieu. After retiring from the county, together they started G.L. LeMahieu Electric where Linda was responsible for all financial/bookkeeping activities. They ran the business successfully for many years.

Later in life, Linda was a bookkeeper for several small businesses. Hard work, attention to detail, and strong business acumen were all defining characteristics that she brought with her to each new venture.

Linda’s only child, Brandi Jo, was born in 1980. Linda adored her daughter, and together, the two of them shared a beautiful bond throughout all elements of their lives.

Linda was an avid bowler, and was on many bowling leagues in the Kalamazoo area. With her purple bowling ball, Linda was recognized for her high score games on many occasions in the local newspapers.

A talented artist and always keen to try her hand at something new, Linda enjoyed drawing and crafting; she created logos for numerous businesses and created exceptional charcoal drawings. She also loved to cross-stitch and crochet. A beautiful yellow blanket she handmade for her grandson is one of the treasured heirlooms she lovingly prepared.

In 2018, Linda married Ken Leach. As residents of Kalamazoo, Linda and Ken loved to work on home projects and garden together, as well as spending time “antiquing” and visiting estate sales.

Together, they loved to travel, having recently enjoyed a beautiful vacation to the beaches of North Carolina. The frequent trips they made to the east side of Michigan to visit her daughter’s family brought her so much joy. Linda and Ken also enjoyed many special trips to visit friends and family in Lansing, as well as Ohio. She adored spending time with her family, and also going out to dinner with her closest friends.

Linda Kae LeMahieu-Leach, age 71, of Kalamazoo, Mich., passed away Tuesday, June 25, 2019. She is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis and Dorothy (Troskey) Hoag. Linda leaves behind her loving husband Ken Leach; beloved daughter Brandi Mayton (LeMahieu), son-in-law Joseph H. Mayton III, and grandson, Joseph H. Mayton IV, as well as several cousins. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, 2019, at Four Points by Sheraton (3600 E. Cork St., Kalamazoo), at 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Purple Heart Foundation. Arrangements by Betzler Life Story Funeral Home, 6080 Stadium Dr., Kalamazoo, (269) 375-2900 www.BetzlerLifeStory.com.