Joan Raechel Leff

Joan Raechel Morsch Leff (12/15/1927- 7/13/2023)

Joan was born Dec. 15, 1927 to Karin Josephine (Lindholm) Morsch and Elmer John Morsch in Squaw Creek Grove Township, Hinkley IL.  Joan was the 4^th child of 6, born in the farmhouse at the Dairy Farm her Family has now held for six generations.

Joan went to Fay school for eight years, Graduated from Hinkley Community High School in 1946 and attended Illinois Wesleyan University from 1946-1950.  She then transferred to Rosevelt University in Chicago and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sociology & Psychology in 1952 and was a proud member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, which provided her with moral support throughout her adult life.  After graduating Joan worked as a Clinical Receptionist & Medical Records Clerk at Chicago Memorial Hospital, later teaching 2^nd & 3^rd grade in Kingston, IL.  While attending summer school at University of Wyoming, taking post graduate work in Elementary Guidance, she was offered a teaching job in Huntley WY, teaching 3^rd grade. She then moved to Lingle WY teaching 3^rd grade for four years. 

Joan married Forrest James Leff on May 27, 1959, at St Patrick's Church in Lead South Dakota. Forrest was the band Instructor in Lingle when they met.  They moved to Casper, WY and in the Fall of 1959, Joan taught at Southridge Elementary School.  She went on to teach at McKinley Annex School in Special Ed for 2 ½ yrs., she had the pleasure of teaching for pupil services as a teacher for 3 Loation children who had never been in any school before anywhere, this was challenging as well as exciting for her and the children.  She was also a teacher in Nutrition and Child Development Day Care for 4 years

Joans hobbies included reading, music, making decorative scarves and Tole painting. She won numerous ribbons at local County fairs with her painting.  Joan loved her Family and all animals. She was proud of her work ethic and loved eating healthy vegetables, which she proudly attributed to being raised on a farm.  Joan's humble gratitude, quick witted humor and beautiful smile will be deeply missed.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Karin and Mava Jean, brothers Danny and Elmer John (Johnnie).  She is survived by her husband Forrest Leff Sr., Her sons, Francis of Casper, WY, Daniel of Elko NV, and Forrest Jr of Casper WY, her brother Jerry Morsch of Mesa AZ and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Service will be held on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Casper Humane Society.