Vern "Vic" Victor Lerch

Vern Victor “Vic” Lerch Jr., 87, of Sylvania, Ohio passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, January 17, 2018 after a long and healthy life which he often referred to as blessed.  

Vic was born on July 16, 1930 to Jessie and Vern Lerch Sr. of Toledo, Ohio and attended Scott High School in his youth, after which he enlisted in the US Army and served in the Korean War. He met his lifelong sweetheart Jacqueline “Jackie” Ann Lerch before he left however, and they were married in 1952. His memories of Korea included numerous friends and events, but time spent with orphaned children was particularly meaningful; a Christmas meal of frozen fruit cocktail with hot coffee was another memory he often recalled, though with far less joy.

After his return from Korea and completion of military service he began working at Sun Oil Refinery in Oregon, OH, initially as a ditch digger and years later retiring as an engineer.  He spent his entire career at Sun Oil, where he was blessed with more than a few lifelong friends.

Vic and Jackie bought their first house after his return from the war that he fondly recalled as “the wreck”, which he fixed up steadily with the help of a dear friend after working night shifts at Sun Oil. He sold the house with enough sweat equity invested to purchase the home where they ultimately raised their four daughters.

He retired early allowing them time to travel a good deal and spend time at his cottage on the lake, which gave him tremendous joy for thirty years. More recently Vic was a volunteer for years at Flower Hospital alongside his wife Jackie until her passing in 2015. They were also members of the First United Methodist Church in Sylvania.

 Vic is survived by daughters Karen LaPierre, Dawn (Scott) Gillespie, Bonnie (Don) Brieschke and Jennifer (Mario Perez) Lerch; his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. 

 Beyond an abundance of fond memories, his life was a collection of hard work, a quiet strength, family, unwavering nightly prayers and an ever-present sense of humor. Hot dogs also come to mind, which were his favorite. His ultimate love however, was his wife and sweetheart of 69 years, with whom he shared much joy and adventure. Earlier that day he had mentioned, “I wish I was with my babe”!  He passed away that evening, which happened to fall on their 66th wedding anniversary.

 Vic’s family will welcome friends at First United Methodist Church, 7000 Erie Street, Sylvania, Ohio on Sunday, January 28 of 2018, from1:00 p.m. until the time of service at 2:00 p.m.

And our eternal gratitude for the NWO hospice nurse, Jeanine, who diligently and lovingly took care of both our parents.

Contributions in celebration of his life may be given to Hospice of Northwest Ohio. 

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