Irene E. (Hiltel) Leech, 96Sauk RapidsDec. 20, 1920 - March 23, 2017Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, March 27, 2017 at Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Sauk Rapids for Irene E. Leech, 96 of Sauk Rapids who passed away on Thursday at Foley Nursing Center. Burial will be at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Mahtomedi. Friends and relatives may call one hour prior to services at the funeral home on Monday morning.Irene was born on December 20, 1920 in Sauk Rapids to Fred and Alma (Abraham) Hiltel. Irene graduated from Sauk Rapids High School and went on to become a beautician. She later worked as a riveter for Northwest Airlines for a few years during wartimes. She then spent 27 years working for 3M. Irene married Leroy Leech on July 19, 1947 at United Church of Christ in Minden Township. She and Leroy lived their married life in North St. Paul. She was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in North St. Paul. She enjoyed playing cards, crocheting and traveling. She was also a loving caregiver. In 2010, Irene returned to the Sauk Rapids/ St. Cloud area. She most recently made her home at Carefree Living in St. Cloud.Survivors include her sister-in-law, Betty Hiltel of Sauk Rapids and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Leroy in 2006 and brother Fred "Fritz" in 2014.Obituary and guestbook available online:                           www.williamsdingmann.com