Joan Magerkurth Leake

On April 22, 2022 at 1:54 pm, Joan Alberta Magerkurth Leake rode into heaven. Where to start? Born in Geneseo, Illinois on September 6, 1954, Joan was raised on a 180 acre farm with her horses and ponies. She absolutely loved to horse around, and she looked fantastic doing it. Did you know, not only did she model, she was the first in the family to graduate college! She graduated from the University of Illinois, and with her love of every living thing, she received a bachelors in Wildlife Biology. Then she packed up and headed to Marble Falls. Upon arrival in the great state of Texas, now much greater with Joan taking the reins, she started her career as a ranch hand and ranch manager. As she puts it, “If I can’t horse around, I’m not happy!” In 2000, she met Chip Leake, and even though he got bucked off her horse on the first date, these two soulmates were happily married soon after. Every vacation Joan would look at Chip and he would know, they were going trail riding. Right away, he knew her dream and made it happen. Joan’s lifelong vision of having a ranch on the hill in Smithwick came true. She and Chip lived there happily ever after for over 20 years.

Daughter of Patricia and Merlin Magerkurth, Joan is the second oldest of four siblings: Mark, Brian, and Craig. Even as the only daughter, the boys knew never to mess with Joan. Bottle feeding babies to fawns, and most importantly horses, she raised countless children and animals and loved harmonizing with the choir and the low brass. Her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends always looked forward to sleepovers with aunt Joan, and of course, trail rides! Joan is survived by her adoring husband Chip, son Jarret, and the thousands of lives she touched throughout her life.

Her life will be celebrated at: St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Marble Falls at 3PM on Friday May 6th.