David C. Lerch, 71, of Ephrata, known to many as Dave, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026, at his home in Ephrata, with his brother John and Marian by his side. He was born on August 10, 1955, in Ephrata, Pennsylvania, to the late Randal C. Lerch & Doris E. (Nies) Hocking, and the loving husband of Debra (Sweigart) Lerch for 31 years until her passing in 2008.

A 1973 graduate of Ephrata High School, Dave went on to serve his country in the United States Navy from 1973 to 1975, joining right after high school. Following his military service, he built a long and steady career as a machine operator with International Paper in Lancaster. Over the course of 39 years, he devoted himself to his work with commitment and perseverance before retiring in 2020. Dave loved his family and friends and is eternally grateful for the love and caring support of his brother John, especially during the last three years of his life, the love and support of his sister Sue throughout his life, and the love and care Marian provided him in recent years. 

Dave was an avid golfer and bowler and made many friends during his years on the golf course and in the bowling alley. He appreciated their concern and caring thoughts during his illness. So many friends and fond memories. Dave loved all sports and especially enjoyed watching his favorites teams...the Philadelphia Phillies and Philadelphia Eagles. Baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf, you name it, he watched it. Dave’s spirit will be remembered with love to all those who knew him.

Dave is survived by two siblings, Susan D. Lerch of Richland, and John R. (Connie) Lerch of Ephrata; three nephews, Steven (Jeannine) Hiester, Ryan (Stephanie) Lerch, and Eric Lerch; two great nephews & a great niece; and his special love since 2024, Marian Gaffney. He joins those who have preceded him in death, including his wife, Debra Lerch; parents, Randal Lerch & Doris Hocking; nephew, Jason "Jules" Hiester; and stepfather, George Hocking.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during a visitation on October 15, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Gravenor Sipler Funeral & Cremation Centre, Inc., 100 W Main St, Ephrata, PA 17522.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are appreciated to the Ephrata Cancer Center: 460 North Reading Road

Ephrata, PA 17522, or Hospice and Community Care: www.hospiceandcommunitycare.org. His family would like to give an extra special thank you to both the staff at the Ephrata Cancer Center and Hospice and Community Care for all their love and support of Dave.