Bernard (Bernie) E. Zuercher, 61, went to be with the Lord on March 3, 2023.
He is survived by his wife, Marcia; children, Micaela and Garrett; and siblings, David Zuercher (Elsie), Penni Martin (Jay), Candace Miller (Gene), Tobi Zuercher (Donna), LaRue Zuercher and Ian Zuercher (Andrea).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellis and Mary Louise Zuercher, and niece, Tiffany Zuercher.
On Sept. 26, 1961, Bernie was welcomed into the Zuercher family’s big farmhouse in Kidron, Ohio. The family was active in Kidron Mennonite Church, where they sang in both the children’s choir and the adult choir. Bernie’s interest in music was life-long and included a singing tour of Mexico, singing at Disney, a quartet, and several occasions of donning tights for Madrigals and the Wichita opera. He also sang for 15 years with the men’s gospel group, Hearts 4 Him. In addition to the awards in his scrapbook for musical endeavors, he received recognitions for baseball (he was a catcher) and soccer. He loved golf.
Being married to Marcia and raising Micaela and Garrett were his greatest joy and satisfaction. He was well-known among family and friends as someone who loved to tease and laugh, play cards, go camping, and tell stories by the campfire. Bernie was also an accomplished carpenter and excelled at building guitars and creating stained glass and furniture.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday, March 24, in the Fireside Room at Grace Community Church in Newton. A Memorial Service will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Grace Community Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a memorial donation be made of offset funeral costs.
