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Robert Donald Lerch
2025 - 2025
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Robert Lerch Obituary
Education was important throughout Bob's life. Earning a BA at Goshen College, MA at BGSU and EdD at New Mexico State University. His teaching career grew from Junior High students to being an Education professor and Department Chair at Idaho State University.
Bob and Annabelle moved to Jackson, Wyoming for retirement. His love of storytelling and teaching helped Bob be an informative and energetic tour guide of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.
Moving to Greencroft Communities in Goshen, Indiana, in 2010 they enjoyed time with grandchildren who were studying at Goshen College and widened their circle of friends.
Bob and Annabelle were always a part of a vibrant church community. Bob served as a Presbyterian Elder and a member of the Session in Pocatello and Jackson Hole and was an active member at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen.
Bob is remembered for his ability to fix almost anything from cars to household items. When he was no longer able to use his tools, he gave them to his grandsons and granddaughters. Many of them inherited his curly hair and his innate ability for repairing.
His hobbies included fixing antique glassware (Dr. Bob's Glass Repair) at shows where Annabelle sold antiques and collecting toy trains. Friends and family enjoyed his train displays. Bob was still building 0 gauge train engines and test tracks at age 90.
He is survived by four children, Robbin O'Leary (Mike), Laura Lerch Horst (Randy), Robert A. Lerch (Jennifer), and Barbara Weaver (Mark), 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Annabelle, and by his parents, and siblings, John Lerch and Patricia Lerch Hostetter.
Memorials: Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen College Alumni Scholarship Fund, Mennonite Central Committee, or the Greencroft Foundation.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Sponsored by Yoder-Culp Funeral Home.
1 Entry
Scott Phoenix
November 4, 2025
I wish Bob´s family the very best. My mom and dad, Ruth and Chilton Phoenix, and I had such fondness for your parents. I loved joking with Bob - Stop Lurching around, will you?"
How we think of others upon their passing is the true measure of us all. That your parents are so fondly remembered speaks volumes about their cores, their essences.
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