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Theodore Lerch Obituary
Dr. Theodore Trowbridge Lerch, 97, died Thursday, September 22, 2011 at his home.
Dr. Ted Lerch was an athletic and adventurous man who loved the outdoors. Born in Piedmont, California, he and his brother Paul Lerch participated in many sports as well as excursions with friends. They made the local papers as they bicycled to Seattle with four other teenagers in 1933. Another of his great adventures was "hoboing" across country with medical school classmate Jack Downey hitching rides on trains and sleeping in the onion car or on the rooftop. His early love of roughing it lasted throughout his lifetime as evidenced by his infamous handmade sandals and his dilapidated motor home used 1969 through 2005.
Dr. Lerch attended Stanford University for undergraduate studies, medical school, and pediatric residency. He played on the Stanford tennis team and the medical school rugby team. Following his medical training he served in the Army for five years during W.W.II as medical officer on a ship out of Fort Lewis near Seattle. He met his wife Barbara Corinne Gove on a blind date while stationed in Seattle and they were married on June 25, 1943.
The couple settled in Marysville, California and started a family. Dr. Lerch practiced 30 years as a pediatrician and was a founding member of the Marysville Medical Clinic. He served as a Trustee of Yuba College, was Vice President of the Far West Ski Association, and was an active member of the Yuba Sutter Ski Club. Winter weekends were spent bringing his children up to Donner Summit where they skied competitively and spent the nights camping in their VW bus. He also enjoyed golfing as a member of the Peach Tree County Club for over 30 years.
After retiring in June 1976 at age 62, Dr. Lerch and his wife began wintering in Mexico in their motor home. They spent over 30 happy years at La Peñita Trailer Park enjoying pool volleyball, the taco truck, and the camaraderie of many friends. The Lerch children and grandchildren continue to vacation at this beautiful spot.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Barbara Gove Lerch; his children Theodore Lerch, Barbara Lerch Kaufman, Pamela Lerch Cahan (Stephen), Leslie Lerch, Sarah Lerch Hartstein (Keith), and Joseph Lerch (Vivian); and his ten grandchildren Kate Kaufman, Betsy Kaufman, Jessica Cahan Powell, Rebecca Hartstein, Rachel Cahan, Ben Lerch, Amy Hartstein, Hannah Lerch, Kevin Hartstein, and Taylor Hartstein.
He was preceded in death by his father Theodore Taylor Lerch, his mother Bertha Trowbridge Lerch, and his brother Paul Lerch.
His memorial service is being held on Saturday, October 15 at 10am at the Peach Tree Golf and Country Club, located at 2043 Simpson Dantoni Rd., Marysville.
If you would like to make a commemorative donation, please direct gifts to the Yuba College Foundation scholarship for underprivileged students pursuing medicine and other graduate studies. Please write Yuba College Foundation in the 'payable to' line, and MESA Scholarship Fund + Ted Lerch in the 'memo' line. Address to Yuba College Foundation, 20 Beale Rd., Marysville CA 95901.
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Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Lerch
Beverly High
September 22, 2025
Dr. Lerch was my doctor from age 7 to 18. He was my confidant, friend and a fine doctor taking care of me through those first steps into adulthood. He's sitting up there eating fish tacos, just being there.
Timothy Bill Taylor
June 17, 2021
We were neighbors of Dr Lerch. When I was 4 years old he treated me for some powder that his son, Teddy, blew into my eyes. I remember his famous fallout shelter. Tim Taylor
October 22, 2011
To Barabara and girls. I am very sorry to hear about your dad. He sounded like he really enjoyed life to the fullest.
Sharon Taylor, Oak Park, CA.
connie abella
October 11, 2011
To the Family of Dr. Lerch,My deepest sympathy. Dr. Lerch took care of all eleven of us children. I am one of the eleven children. We are the Abella Children. All my Love and prayers.
Connie Abella
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Sharon Collins
October 8, 2011
I am so sad at the passing of this great human being....he was unique in his character, compassion, humor. He welcomed us all into his fascinating life and family. He was among the Great Guys and the memories of his exploits and his wardrobe comfort us in our sadness. I am a better and stronger human being because I knew Poppa Lerch. With love to his darling wife Barbara and his children.
Sharon Collins and Family
Peter + Heidi Wolters
October 7, 2011
To the Lerch family and especially to Barbara,
we had such a great time as neighbors at the Trailer Park in La Penita and yes, Ted did make the best pancakes. We sure will miss him Peter and Heidi Wolters
Leslie Beeler Carlson
October 3, 2011
Barbarba and Family,
Dr Lerch was also our family doctor. He was one of the best doctors that I have ever had and being 54 years old I have had a few. May God be with you and yours and please remember all the good times.
October 3, 2011
As 'old timers' in La Penita park we have missed both Doc and Barb. these past few years. We had fun times with them and watching their
family grow.
.Our love to Barb.and all the family.Gordon and Marion Varty.Havelock,Ontario.Canada
Wendy Renault
October 2, 2011
To the Lerch family, thanks for the many fine memories of Ted (and Barb) in LaPenita Mexico.
Mike & Janet & Bjorn Doody
October 2, 2011
We have many fun times and memories ...... Our best to Barbara and all of the family. Much Love to Y'all
Therese "Terri" Valdez
October 1, 2011
The Lerch family was a wonderful part of my childhood; and Dr. Lerch is a legend as a pediatrician providing medical care with lots of love & humor to generations of Yuba-Sutter children. Blessings to all the Lerch family.
In fondest memory
Therese "Terri" Valdez
October 1, 2011
The Lerch family was a wonderful part of my childhood; and Dr. Lerch is a legend as a pediatrician providing medical care with lots of love & humor to generations of Yuba-Sutter children. Blessings to all the Lerch family.
In fondest memory
Frank Percival
October 1, 2011
To the Lerch clan. Many fond memories of Ted. A true character that will be missed. Our love to Barbara and the entire family. Frank & Donna Percival Brooks Alberta Canada
Merv & Delia Peterson
September 30, 2011
To Barb and all the family;
We would like to send our love and condolences to of you. We enjoyed our many years of knowing Ted and Barb and being together at the LaPenita RV park. Fun times were had by all. We have missed the folks, but are glad the the rest of the family still come to the park.
Merv and Delia Peterson
September 30, 2011
I worked as a nurse at Fremont Pediatrics. I fondly remember Dr. Lerch as a caring physician and spelled things out to parents in a no nonsense manner. My maiden name was Trowbridge and I have a Bertha in my geneology. If any members of the family have any info, could you please call me. Sandra Trowbridge Rothe 674-7740. Blessings to all the family.
Wes & Sharon Trott
September 29, 2011
Barbara, Les & Family,
Ted will be missed by all of us from
Del Prado MHP. I enjoyed reminiscing about the good old days with him. We send our condolences to Barbara & her family.
Dave Azevedo
September 29, 2011
My condolences to the family. I have many fond memories of Dr. Lerch. He was a very speical guy and was obviously put on this earth to care for children. And he did the most wonderful job of it! I am so glad he lived 97 years, as he certainly deserved and earned a long and happy life. He will be missed.
Kenny Ines
September 29, 2011
Sorry to hear about your loss of a loved one. I remember Dr. Lerch as my pediatrician at Marysville Medical Center. I am 48 now and remember him as one of the most caring doctors I have EVER had. My condolences and prayers go out to the family.
Alicia Garcia Phillips
September 28, 2011
I will always remember Dr. Lerch with great fondness... He was my pediatrician, I'm now 53, at Marysville Medical Clinic, and always remember my mom, Isabel, would take him a boutiounner on any one of our visits. We were all so lucky to have had him for our Dr. growing up. Such a wonderful man! Last saw him about a yr. ago @ IHOP, but he was walking out so briskly couldn't catch him, but his daughter stopped & chatted....Hugs to his family, for you were so lucky.
Ethel (Smith) Becker
September 28, 2011
Dear Barbara & family,
I remember babysitting your children when I was a teenager. We were your neighbors on Buchanan St.. I also remembering him seeing our son when we visited my parents in Marysville. Our son was 4 years old and had diabetes. Dr. Lerch wanted to know more about how he was doing and how we took care of him. This was in 1964. He was such a caring man and will be missed.
September 28, 2011
My sincere sympathy to Barbara, her children and grandchildren in the loss of Dr. Lerch. My family lived across the street from you in Marysville and still remember swimming in the above ground pool you had. How nice on a hot summer day to be able to do that. Dr. Lerch will be missed and was a great asset to his profession.
Evelyn (Smith) Gardner
Susan Frink
September 28, 2011
Dr. Lerch was my pediatrician (I am now 48) and I still remember his face and the mirrored headband he wore. My mother (Etta) loved him and always said that he saved my sister's life when she had meningitis at 8 months old. His photo here looks much like I remember him. He told mom that my sister and had a "sparkle" in our eyes and to watch out when we became teenagers! What a wonderful doctor. Thank you Dr. Lerch.
Candy
September 28, 2011
I did not know Dr. Lerch, but after reading his obit, it sounds like he had a long, happy, adventurous life, God truly blessed him. He sounds like he was truly an awesome person. My condolences to his family and friends.
Avalee Ward
September 28, 2011
My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Dr. Lerch was my doctor when I was a child in the 50's. All I can remember is him giving me a shot in my behind and my mom said I kicked him. Shame on me. He also told my mom I was as "meat and potatoes girl". He was right.
Ron Gless
September 28, 2011
Sorry to see, he lived a long life...
Your old Neighbor Ron Gless
The Appeal-Democrat Family
September 28, 2011
Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your recent loss.
Beverly High
September 27, 2011
This kind and gentle man held my hand when sick, shared advice on boys, pimples and make up. My siblings and I had a great doctor, confidant and friend. My condolences to his family. He will be missed.
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