Marion Bert Lerch

Marion Bert Lerch was born in Rushville on July 2, 1933 and was married to the former Karen Sue Dawson for 67 years. She survives along with two sons Kevin (wife Debbie) and Greg Lerch both of Springfield; four grandchildren Danielle, Jami, Derrick, and Alex; four great grandchildren Jaidyn and Jacyn Logan, Joziah Wilson, and Mia Lerch; a sister Joan (husband Steve) Stull; a brother Carl Lerch; a sister-in-law Donna Lerch; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Mike and Margaret Lerch, a daughter-in-law Rita Lerch, three sisters Mary Margaret Lerch, Betty Jane Sheppard, and five brothers Walter Livingston, Robert Livingston, Larry Joe Lerch, Donald Lerch, and Jack Lerch; and his sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Livingston, Shirley Livingston, Charlene Lerch, and Mary Lerch. 

Bert honorably served in the United States Army as a Corporal during the Korean War from May 1953 until May 1955. He worked for Bartlow Brothers for 3 years, Irwin Paper Company in Quincy, Oscar Mayer for 20 years, then Excel for 9 ½ years, and parttime for Wal-Mart after his retirement for 7 ½ years.

Bert was a Ward 3 Alderman for the City of Beardstown for about 18 years and worked with the Beardstown Little League Organization for 20 years. He also was a volunteer at the Lincoln Museum Courtroom for 11 years. 

Bert was a member of First Southern Baptist Church in Beardstown of which he was a Deacon. He went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 29, 2024.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Friday, May 3, 2024 at Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown with Reverend Daryl Vermillion officiating. Burial will be in the Beardstown City Cemetery. The family will meet with friends one hour prior to the services at the memorial home on Friday.

Memorials have been suggested to First Southern Baptist Church. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.