Viola Lerch

Viola O. Lerch, 88, of West Union, Iowa (formerly of Elgin, Iowa), passed away Monday, November 2, 2015 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa. 

Viola Olive, the daughter of Melvin and Mary (McCoy) Martin, was born October 2, 1927 in McGregor, Iowa.

She graduated from Elgin High School in 1945.

Viola was united in marriage with Joseph Lerch, son of Ernest and Anna (Zaugg) Lerch, on February 7, 1946 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont, Iowa.  To this union four children, Mary Ann, Robert, Kenneth, and Terence, were born.

Viola worked for several years as a housekeeper for many priests and because of the position, she was able to travel to various places, which she enjoyed very much. 

She was a longtime member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Clermont and served as a Cub Scout Den Mother in Elgin.

Viola was also a collector of family information.

Viola is survived by her children, Mary Ann Amdahl of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Robert (Loretta) Lerch of Wadena, Iowa; Kenneth (Margaret “Peg”) Lerch of West Union, Iowa; and Terence (Sue Stagman) Lerch of Farmersburg, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Brent Amdahl, Chad (Anita Franklin) Lerch, Jill Aylsworth, Jennifer (Bryan) Stolka, Christa (Brad) Glaser, Cody (Kirstin) Lerch, Joelle (Brice) Journot, Nathan (Sarah) Lerch, Keith (Hollie) Lerch, Anna Lerch, Dustin (Kendra) Lerch, and Emily Lerch-Stagman; 16 great-grandchildren, Mariah (Austin Franzen) and Mikayla Aylsworth, Grant and Drew Stolka, Dylan, Nolan, and Kaylee Lerch, Riley, Colby, and Maxwell Lerch, Ben Lerch, Tucker Glaser, Avery Lerch, Caedrin Journot, Leilani and Lorelei Lerch; a great-great grandson, Kian Franzen; two step grandchildren, Clara and Jonathon Stagman; four step great–grandchildren, Allison Ahern, Danica Freidlein, Garrett Franklin, and Liam Ahlgren; a sister, Maureen Cable of Anamosa, Iowa; a sister-in-law, Julia “Judy” Martin of West Union, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Viola was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her parents, Melvin and Mary Martin; a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Lerch; three brothers, Lyle, Giles, and Jorris Martin; sisters-in-law, Doris and Lucille Martin; and her brother-in-law, Ken Cable.    

Visitation was Friday, November 6, 2015 from 9-11 am at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial was at 11:00 am on Friday, November 6, 2015 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Jim Brokman and Rev. Dale Rausch as the concelebrants.

Inurnment followed at St. Peter’s Catholic Cemetery, Clermont, Iowa.

Memorials may be made in Viola’s name to Stoney Brook Village Assisted Living’s Sidewalk Project in West Union.

Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Clermont, Iowa assisted the family with the arrangements.      45u45