Russell J. Lerch, II

Russell J. Lerch, II, 59, of Lafayette, passed away unexpectedly December 24, 2024, at home. He was born August 24, 1965, in Lafayette to Russell J. and Phyllis Ilene (Turner) Lerch. He married Ronda Horton on August 10, 1985, and she survives.

Russell was a graduate of William Henry Harrison High School, Class of 1983. He worked for the Tippecanoe County Highway Department since June of 1984. He enjoyed farming and playing farming games, woodworking, Marvel movies and comic books, traveling to the mountains, and being around his family. He was a man of few words, but the words he spoke were profound. He loved his family, especially his wife, children, and grandchildren. 

Along with his wife of 39 years, Russell is survived by his children, Riley (Parrish “C. J.” Slate) Lerch, Reghan (Nathaniel Burdine) Lerch-Burdine; bonus children, Andrew and Sara Nicodemus; sister, Sherri (Fred) Russell; grandchildren, Anders Nicodemus, Lorelai Slate, Parrish A. Slate, and Banks Burdine; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 30, 2024, from 11am until the time of the service at 1pm at Day & Genda Funeral ~ Bodine Chapel in Rossville. Burial will follow at Pyrmont Cemetery. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com.