Obituaries
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William E Lerche
Aug. 10, 1953 - Mar. 15, 2026 - Hilbert, WI
Funeral Service
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026
6:00 pm
Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church
181 Main St.
Potter, WI 54160
Funeral Visitation
Saturday, Mar. 21, 2026
4:00 pm - 5:45 pm
Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church
181 Main St.
Potter, WI 54160
William E Lerche
Hilbert WI
William E. “Lorge” Lerche, age 72 of Hilbert, died on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at Froedtert Medical Center in Milwaukee.
He was born August 10, 1953 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, son of the late Erwin A. & Miriam (Zick) Lerche.
When his children were young, he took them to a movie at the Valley Fair Mall and asked Mary Kay Ebben to join them. With their approval that day, the rest was history and the couple was married on June 25, 1988 in Kaukauna.
At the tender age of 16, Bill began riding motorcycles and became a founding member of the Innocence Motor Cycle Club. As a man who never passed up a chance to ride a bike, Bill never left his mother out. Each and every motorcycle he owned was inspected for safety by having his mother ride along as a passenger, at least once. He would never hesitate to go on a solo weekend trip with his wife, trips with his many great friends. Through his love of biking, Lorge was an active member of ABATE of Wisconsin where he was a past regional representative.
He was a long time member of Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church in Potter where he volunteered as an usher and on the Crisis Response Team. He also looked forward to the annual Gospel Fest and would lend his talents to make sure the entire event went off without a hitch. He was a member of the Brickyard Fishing Club and looked forward to heading out to Lake Winnebago every February to go Sturgeon Spearing.
Throughout his life, Bill was an infamous foreman for “stick farming,” and continued that heritage with his grandchildren. His propensity for leading was also useful while he served in various positions in his union at work.
Bill was a man of few words but one of strong faith, he loved his family and showed up, offering nuggets of wisdom and encouragement through all of life’s ups and downs.
Survivors include his wife: Mary Kay; his children: Jessica (Ryan) Karls, Chad (Jamie) Lerche; his grandchildren: Alex Karls, Addison Karls, Easton Karls & Odin Lerche; his sisters: Nancy (Arden) Geisler, Sue (Dan) Maile, Wendy Lerche; and his siblings-in-law: DeeDee Ebben, Gerry (Jeannie) Ebben, Lois (Denny) Wittman, and Jan Seefeldt. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Erwin & Miriam; his parents-in-law: Vincent & Mary Ebben; his sister: Lori Lerche; and his siblings-in-law: Donald Ebben & Carol VanDera.
Funeral service will be at 6:00 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Peace Evangelical & Reformed Church (181 Main St.) in Potter with Rev. Gary Schultz officiating. Burial will be in the Potter Community Cemetery. A time of visitation will be held at the church from 4:00 pm until 5:45 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026. At the time of the service and following, a link will be available above for those wishing to watch a live stream or archived recording of the service, view a memorial video or see photos or gifts given to the family.
Condolences
Mary Kay, I was so surprised to hear of Bill's passing.my sincere condolences to you and the family. Prayers.
Kathy Kuhn (Friend) 2026-03-25 12:27:55
Nancy and family so sorry for your loss, may the good memories last forever.
Doris Woelfel Bennin (classmate of Nancy) 2026-03-21 15:59:05
I send my sincere condolences to you and the entire Lerche family. Bill was a great guy to be around, always full of jokes and laughs. He will be missed. Sending prayers to you and the family.
Jaime Klubertanz (Jost) (Family friend) 2026-03-21 13:52:38
Auntie M, I'm so sorry for your loss. Uncle Bill was an amazing man. He truly made his mark on this world. My thoughts are with you and the family. Much love ????????
Nicki (Niece ) 2026-03-21 08:11:28
Mary Kay, My heart aches for you. Sending prayers that God will give you His comfort and Peace.
Cheryl Rietveld (friend) 2026-03-20 07:28:31
Mary Kay, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a fun guy to be around.Keep the memories alive. Judy Beggs-Wagner(Friend)
Judy Beggs-Wagner (Friend) 2026-03-19 22:37:21
Mary Kay, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bill. He was a fun guy to be around. I knew him thru my brother.
Judy Beggs-Wagner (Friend) 2026-03-19 22:31:08
Sorry for the loss of a great guy. When I was 19 I joined the Abate 2E. Lorge and a few others pretty much took me under their wing , to show me the ropes.
Craig Heller (Friend ) 2026-03-19 17:40:39
So sorry to hear about Bill's passing. Deepest condolences from both of us.
Ken and Sandy Cummings (Friends) 2026-03-19 16:34:00
Mary Kay so sorry to hear about Bill. Our that’s and prayer are with you and your family. Hugs!
Donna &Dan Weyenberg (Cousin ) 2026-03-19 14:53:17
Our condolences to Mary Kay and family. The few times we did see each other, enjoyed our conversations. Especially at our class reunions. He always made me laugh.
Jeff and Gloria Schwabenlander (Friend ) 2026-03-19 14:37:13
Very sorry to see this. Got to know Bill thru union functions and later Abate. Damn good guy!
D Schisel (Friend ) 2026-03-19 13:39:21
Very sorry to see this. Got to know Bill thru union functions and later Adate. Damn good guy!
D Schisel (Friend ) 2026-03-19 13:37:57
Sorry for your loss Mary Kay RIP Bill
Jeffrey Kalies (Friend ) 2026-03-18 18:17:15
Our hearts are saddened by the passing of Bill, but our hearts are made better knowing his suffering is over and the Lord has him.
Jill Kutchenriter (Friends ) 2026-03-18 18:01:10
What a tragic loss. Everyone that knew him was blessed to be around him. Mary Kay and family, I know your pain. Cherish the memories. God Bless You all. Love, Karen
Karen DeJardine (Cousin to Mary Kay) 2026-03-18 17:50:37
We would like to express our sincere sympathy to you and all of your Family Bill was a great guy and has left his mark on alot of lives. Bill will be missed by everyone who knew him.And that smile will be forever remembered.
Marilyn and Tom Behnke (Friends) 2026-03-18 17:20:23
So sorry to hear of bills passings. He was a great guy, a lot of laughs. Bless his soul
Gloria f (Old friend) 2026-03-18 12:27:19
Mary Kay, I am so sorry for your loss. May God hold you and your family in his loving arms.
Mary pelkey (Friend) 2026-03-18 10:25:38
Love you all. Will miss Bill's wonderful humor at our gatherings. My deepest sympathy.
Lois Wittman (Sister-in-law) 2026-03-18 08:07:21
So sorry for your loss. Hugs and prayers for your family.
Lisa Manz (Friend) 2026-03-17 21:58:43
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