Ralph Lerch Obituary
Ralph Edward Lerch, age 79 of Kahoka, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, March 16, 2026, at the Clark County Nursing Home in Kahoka, Missouri.
Ralph was born March 27, 1946, in Beardstown, Illinois, the son of Fred William and Ruth Virginia (Thomas) Lerch.
He was a 1964 graduate of Rushville High School. He was united in marriage to Patricia (Sherwood) Lerch on March 30, 1968, at the Kahoka United Methodist Church Kahoka, Missouri and she preceded him in death on December 15, 2015.
Ralph was a member of St. Francisville Lodge #588, Kahoka Chapter #40 Order of the Eastern Star, and faithful member of the Kahoka United Methodist Church. Ralph enjoyed attending Clark Co R-1 school activities, delivering Meals on Wheels, and supporting many benefit meals throughout the community. Ralph looked forward to watching westerns and was a avid St Louis Cardinals fan. Ralph was simple, a true friend, and he appreciated his family and the many friendships he made through the years.
Ralph is survived by his brother Richard Lerch of Marion, NC., brothers and sisters-in-law Steve (Sue) Sherwood of Petersburg, IL, Betty Sherwood of Macomb, IL, Gary (Kathleen) Sherwood of San Diego, CA, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his in-laws Bradley and Olive Sherwood, brother-in-law Robert Sherwood, and a nephew Bradford Sherwood.
Graveside services will be held Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Kahoka Cemetery, with Pastor Shawn McAfee and Pastor Denise Moore officiating. Visitation with family present will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 10:00 am with a Masonic service at 10:45 am at the Wilson & Triplett Funeral Home, Kahoka, MO.
Memorial contributions in memory of Ralph are suggested to the Clark County Senior Center or to The Kahoka Methodist church. You are invited to share your memories of Ralph and leave a condolence at www.wilsontriplett.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
975 E Main St., Kahoka, MO 63445
People and places connected with Ralph
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Lerch
Make a Donation
in Ralph Lerch's name
How to support Ralph's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ralph Lerch's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
