Vinton:  Frederick Leroy Lerch, 79, died peacefully at his home on November 21, 2024 following an extended illness.  Funeral Services will be held 2:00 PM, Monday, November 25, 2024 at Harvest Four Square Church in Vinton.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 until service time also at the church.  Interment will be held at Cox Cemetery near Urbana.  Memorials may be directed to Lighthouse Mission Apostolic (E 46th St, Chicago, IL 60609).

Fred was born October 15, 1945 in Central City to Raymond and Darlene (Willmott) Lerch.  He served the country in the United States Army in the 3rd Armored Division during the Vietnam War and was proud to receive the Oder of the Silver Talon for exemplary technical proficiency.  On September 9, 1967 he married Ellie Tuttle at the Assembly of God Church in Vinton.

Prior to retirement, Fred was an over-the-road truck driver for Transport America.  During his career he received awards for driving both 1million and 2 million miles accident free.  His greatest joy in life was doting on his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Ellie; his children, Brenda (Tom) Greenwood, Teresa (Jeff) Bailey, Jason (Britton) Lerch, Jeremy (Crystal) Lerch, and Nathan (Ruby) Lerch; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great granddaughter; and his siblings, Connie McKinley, Carol Behrle, Garold (Barb) Lerch, and Marvin (Marsha) Lerch.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Lerch.