Bruce Allan Lerch's Obituary
Bruce Allan Lerch, 83, was born on October 27, 1940, to the late Carl and Winifred Lerch.
Bruce passed away on November 19, 2023. Beloved husband of Susann Lerch. Cherished father of Wendy (Greg) Rogers and Chad (Diana) Lerch. Loving grandfather of Lauren Rogers, Jared Rogers, Colin Lerch, and Andrew Lerch. Dear brother of Dale Lerch and Roger (Alberta) Lerch.
Bruce was born in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his brothers, Dale and Roger, grew up in a very loving home. They lived near many aunts, uncles and cousins. Listening to their childhood stories about their Aunt Anna and Aunt Elise … were always a holiday tradition. As a child, he spent many of his summers at Lakeside, which is located in Danbury Township, Ohio. His parents were very active in the community and its yearly success. Religion was so important to him that he actually had aspirations of becoming a minister for many years.
He later attended Bowling Green State University, where he met the love of his life, Susann. They were married on August 17, 1963. Their love was one of a kind. They lived to support each and their family. Once they were retired, they bought an RV and loved to travel during the summer months and spent their winters in Myrtle Beach.
They were blessed with two children, Wendy and Chad. Bruce was an amazing husband and an incredible father, who loved his family. dearly. He loved planning trips where the family could spend quality time together, especially to his favorite destinations the Outer Banks and Myrtle Beach. He loved playing tennis with both Wendy and Chad. Bruce and Wendy took many bike rides up to Lake Erie and back. Bruce and Chad enjoyed golfing together.
Bruce taught at Brecksville Broadview High School for over 30 years as a PE and Health teacher. He was also head Cross Country and Track for over 30 years as well. He was born to be a coach. He was an outstanding motivator, who set high expectations for his runners. He always told his runners that they were more than just a team ~ they were family. Bruce’s successes as a coach were so impressive that he was later inducted into The Ohio State Coaches Hall of Fame.
As much as Bruce enjoyed being a father, he loved being a grandfather. Spending quality time with his grandchildren was so important. He always had a fun idea or a fun trip "up his sleeve". He loved taking them out to dinner and letting them have dessert first.
Bruce was the epitome of a people person. He knew no strangers and people were just drawn to him. He was an incredible public speaker ... he made you laugh, he made you cry and made you want to hear his stories again and again.
Bruce had a contagious smile, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Family was everything, and his love for life was unmatched.
A special thank you to Kemper House Strongsville and Hospice of Western Reserve for their incredible care and devotion to Bruce and his family as he navigated his journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Alzheimer's Disease.
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