William H. Lerchbacker, 87, World War II Veteran, enjoyed doing yard work and watching sports
William H. Lerchbacker, age 87, of Lorain, died Monday, March 3, 2003 at Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, Arizona, following a brief illness. A life-long Lorain resident, he was born December 3, 1915.He attended Lorain High School and served in the United States Army during World War II. Attaining the rank of Technical Sergeant, he was attached to the 90th Infantry Division. He participated in the Utah beach Invasion and was the recipient of the Bronze Star, the Bronze Arrowhead, four Battle Stars, two Purple Hearts, and the French Medal of Liberty.
He was employed by U.S. Steel's Lorain Works as a maintenance foreman in the blast furnace department. He retired in 1979 following 43 years of service with the company.
He was a member of the K.S.K.J Slovenian Fraternal Lodge, Amvets Post 47 of Lorain, and Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans. He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and the Lorain Senior Fellowship. His hobbies included sports and working in his yard. For the past 24 years he and his spouse also enjoyed wintering in Arizona.
Survivors include his wife of 33 years: Jeannine (nee Wheeler) daughters: Sandra Edwards and Janelle Slavick, son Timothy of Houston, Stepdaughters: Patricia Bennett and Constance Lawson, seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, and a brother Edward. He was preceded in death by a stepson Timothy Bennett, a grandson, his parents Ferdinand and Pauline Lerchbacker, brothers: Frank, John, and Bernard, and sisters: Pauline Lustek, Leona Varhola, and Angela Smith.
Memorial services will be Saturday, April 26, 2003 at 11:00 AM in Faith United Methodist Church, 2201 Reid Avenue, Lorain. The Reverend Darlene Robinson, pastor of the church will preside. Burial will follow in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township, where military honors will conducted by officers and members of Louis Paul Proy Chapter #20 of the Disabled American Veterans.
The family suggest memorials in his memory to the Disabled American Veterans Life Memorial Foundation, 2300 M. Street, N.W Suite 800 Washington, DC 20037 or to Faith United Methodist Church, 2201 Reid Avenue, Lorain, OH 44052.