Edwin F. Lerch's Obituary
Edwin was born in Tilden, Nebraska, to Gottfried Lerch and Alma (Brandel) Lerch on January 7, 1916, and passed away of pneumonia in Hillsboro, Oregon, at the age of 97.
He grew up on a farm on Sauvie Island just north of Portland.
On November 23, 1941, Thanksgiving Day, he married Maria M. Holroyd at the First Christian Church in Forest Grove, Oregon. They lived in Portland for 36 years, raising two sons. In 1977 they moved to a new home they built on Sauvie Island.
Ed worked at East Side Tool and Die, and then for Hyster Company in the Quality Control Department for 30 years before retiring.
He moved to Avamere Assisted Living in St. Helens after Maria’s passing in 2006, and then to Harmony Guest Home in Hillsboro in 2012.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Maria of 64 years; sister, Hilda Taylor, Eleanor Boge, and Luella Kiepke; and brother, Alfred Lerch.
He is survived by his sister, Mildred Harms; sons Gary (Carolyn), and Keith (Sandy); granddaughter, Erica Griffin (Aric); and great grandchildren, Kellen, Zoe, Gavin, and Declan.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 2201 N. Rosa Parks Way, Portland, on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 2:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Sauvie Island Grange #840, 14443 N.W. Charlton Rd. Portland, OR 97231 in Edwin’s name.
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2… as was Edwin’s life and legacy…….
What’s your fondest memory of Edwin?
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Share a story where Edwin's kindness touched your heart.
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