Buddy Lerch

On Monday, May 3, 2010, Buddy O. Lerch, age 77, of Waterville, OH peacefully passed away in his home while surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Monroe, Michigan, on March 14, 1933. Throughout his years, Bud was employed by Allied Chemical, the Plaskon Corporation, and Matrix Technologies. He was a friend to all who knew him. Bud served with the 1st Marine division and in 1950 partook in the longest withdrawal in American military history, rescuing troops out of the Chosin Reservoir while being outnumbered 10:1. Withstanding temperatures of 54 degrees below zero, The Frozen Chosin rescued their own from the Chosin Reservoir, and secured their place in history as the legendary fraternity known today as The Chosin Few. It is adversity that demands valor, trial that demonstrates the highest level of brotherhood. Bud is survived by his loving wife Margaret Peg Lerch; son, Larry Kristi Lerch; daughters, Laura Jim Cole and Lisa Edelbrock; sisters, Donelda George Damasco and Marlene Gene Frick. He was awarded the title of Greatest Pa Ever by his 11 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan Marie Lerch; son, Ronald Lee Lerch and mother, Madeline Yoakum. Family and friends may call at the Maison-Dardenne-Walker Funeral Home, 501 Conant, Maumee, on Wednesday, May 5, 2010, from 2-8 pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 6, 2010, at 11:00 am in the funeral home. Internment will follow at Highland Memory Gardens, Waterville, OH. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 East River Road, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551.www.walkerfuneralhomes.com.