Keith ‘Keitzie’ Lerch

Keith “Keitzie” Lerch, 80, of Brownsville passed away peacefully on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.
He was born on November 20, 1940, to Kenneth and Gladys (Bishop) Lerch in Fond du Lac.
Keith graduated from Oakfield High School in 1959.
Right after high school, he joined the United States Marine Corps and honorably served from June 15, 1959, until June 14, 1962, stationed at Camp Pendleton in California.
On September 2, 1967, he was united in marriage to Carolyn Schwartz at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lomira.
Keith worked for many different trucking companies, always keeping busy. He started as a backhoe operator for Michel’s Pipeline, then drove truck for Bird Trucking, JP Weyer Trucking, RC Luedtke Trucking, Pete Buske Trucking, and then worked at Wickes Lumber until retirement.
After retirement, he worked at Van Horn to keep himself busy.
Keith was a member of the Lomira American Legion.
He enjoyed watching sports, racing, polka music, and sports gambling. Keith especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and his grandson. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Those Keith leaves behind to cherish his memory include his loving wife of 54 years, Carolyn Lerch; two children, Angie (Troy) Christie and Jeffrey (Kensie Drinkwine) Lerch; his grandson, Chace Christie; two sisters, Joan (Larry) Pluim and Bonnie Lerch; two brothers, James “Jimmy” Lerch and Rick “Ricky” (Marjean) Lerch; two sisters-in-law, Carol (Ken) Kremer and Elaine (Paul) Schwefel; three brothers-in-law, Gary (Patti) Schwartz, Donny “PeeWee” (Joyce) Schwartz, and Larry Kind; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Leslie and Eleanora Schwartz; a sister-in-law, Helen Kind; and a nephew, Scott Pluim.
A memorial service in remembrance of Keith will be held on Friday, Sept. 3, at 5 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 605 Highland Ave., Brownsville.
The family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Friday from 2 p.m. until 4:45 p.m.
The family would like to thank the first responders, the EMT of Brownsville, the nurses and staff at St. Agnes Hospital, Pastor William Carter, and their neighbor Randy Haefs for all their help and care.
The Myrhum – Patten Funeral and Cremation Service has been entrusted with Keith’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.