Robert Donald Lerch

Robert (Bob) Donald Lerch age 91, of Goshen, Indiana, formerly of Pocatello, Idaho and Jackson, Wyoming, passed away peacefully on Oct. 28, 2025. Bob was born May 23, 1934, to John W. and Clara Ellen Meyer Lerch in Wooster, Ohio. He married Annabelle L. Stuckey in 1957 and they were blessed with four children, Robbin, Laura, Bob, and Barbara.

Bob graduated from Wooster High School before earning a degree in Education from Goshen College a Masters Degree from Bowling Green and his EdD at New Mexico State University, in curriculum and instruction in math and physics.

Education was important throughout his life. His teaching career included positions at Freeman Junior College, Freemont Junior High School, Wooster Junior High and High School, teaching physics, and at Idaho State University as a professor and Education Department Chair until his retirement.

Retirement took Bob and Annabelle to Jackson, Wyoming. His love of storytelling, telling jokes, and teaching helped Bob to be an informative and energetic tour guide of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Bob loved to connect with old friends and make new friends and regaled them with tales of his life. You may have heard about his term on the City Council of Wooster, or how he received National Science Foundation grants at New Mexico State University and University of California Berkley, where summer study at these institutions enabled the family to visit many parts of the western US in the family station wagon – the source of many good stories.

Bob and Annabelle moved to Greencroft Communities in Goshen, Indiana, in 2010 where they enjoyed spending time with all 8 grandchildren who attended Goshen College during that time. Bob volunteered in many capacities during his time at Greencroft. His sharp mind enabled him to volunteer with the AARP Foundation as a Tax Aide for many years.

Bob and Annabelle were always a part of a vibrant church community wherever they lived. Bob served as an Elder and a member of the Session at First Presbyterian Church in Pocatello, ID, and at the developing Presbyterian Church of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was a member and active participant at Eighth Street Mennonite Church in Goshen for many years.

Bob is also remembered for his ability to fix just about anything – cars, water heaters, campers –whatever was malfunctioning at the house. In his years at Greencroft, he tended a prolific garden. When he was no longer able to use his tools, he gave them to his grandsons and granddaughters. Many of them inherited not only his curly hair, but his innate ability for repairing.

His hobbies included repairing antique glassware (Dr. Bob’s Glass Repair) at antique shows where Annabelle sold antiques. An avid toy train collector, his family and friends enjoyed his 3-track train display in his Greencroft garage. He still was building 0 gauge train engines and making test tracks at age 90.

He is survived by four children, Robbin O’Leary (Mike), Laura Lerch Horst (Randy), Robert A. Lerch (Jennifer), and Barbara Weaver (Mark), 8 grandchildren, and 7 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Annabelle, and by his parents, and siblings, John Lerch and Patricia Lerch Hostetter.

Visitation will be Saturday, November 15, 2025 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Yoder-Culp Funeral Home, Goshen. A memorial service will take place Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 2 p.m. at Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Eighth Street Mennonite Church, Goshen College Alumni Scholarship Fund, Mennonite Central Committee, or the Greencroft Foundation.