Stephen Edward Lerch

Stephen Edward Lerch, 66, of Hillsboro, passed away Feb. 3, 2024, after a brief illness. 

He was born Sept. 3, 1957 to Anne (nee Moran) and A. Edward Lerch at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Dayton. 

After relocating to Highland County, the family lived close to the land on a 200-acre farm. As the oldest of seven children, Steve was expected to work hard, take on responsibilities beyond his years and be the bigger person when in conflict with his younger siblings. Because of this, Steve became a man of independent spirit coupled with an unflagging work ethic. He was a welder by profession, involved in work as varied as creating I beams to construct many of the buildings around us to repairing several of the bridges we drive upon. The machinery of numerous farmers was returned to service by Steve's intelligence and deft hand. Steve had the ability to see the many components and multiple steps in the most complex repair. 

Steve enjoyed his friends, his community, and his family, especially his 10 nieces and nephews. 

He is survived by his mother, Anne; brothers and sisters, Eileen (Joseph) Hahn, Matthew (Marco Capalino) Lerch, Dr. Catherine (Michael) Shanahan, Mark (Kay) Lerch and Patricia (Damon) Walker; and sister-in-law, Leslie Lerch. He was very fond of his nieces and nephews: Gabriel Neff, Patrick Shanahan, Emily Shanahan, Brian Shanahan, Jessica (Owen) Jones, Jacob Lerch, Emma Lerch, Maggie Lerch, Ellen Walker and Edward Walker. He was lifelong friends with Jim and Carol Tucker. He is also survived by his two beloved bloodhounds, Beau and Betsy. 

He was preceded in death by his father, A. Edward; and brother, Kenneth. 

The family would like to thank the medical staff of Highland District and Miami Valley Hospitals. Their expertise and compassion is appreciated and invaluable. 

This was one of Steve's favorite passages: 

God once said: 
"I need someone strong enough to pull a cart but gentle enough to love a child, 
smart enough to protect his master, 
and passionate enough to love his family, 
someone with so much love they can lift the spirits of a broken heart," 
so God created the bloodhound 

Visitation will be 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at Thompson Funeral Home. 

Services will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10 at the funeral home. 

Memorials may be made to Highland County Humane Society, P.O. Box 471, Hillsboro 45133. 

To sign Stephen's online guest book, please visit www.thompsonfuneralhomes.com.