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Andrew Kerchmar, age 86, of Elyria passed away Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at his home after a long illness. He was born August 7, 1923 in Walhonding, Ohio. He was baptized at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Pleasant City, Ohio and graduated from Bufffalo High School in Buffalo, Ohio.
He enjoyed playing on Junior and High School basketball teams. After the closing of the coal mines his family moved to Elyria where Andy worked at the Elyria Foundry and Western Automatic Co. before entering the U.S. Army in 1943 where he served with the C.B. First Battalion, 114th Infantry, 44th Division for nearly three years. He served in France, Germany, and Austria as a Staff Sergeant. After discharge from the Army he worked at Pfaudler Co., in Elyria.
At the age of 26 he started Kerchmar Builders where he built and remodeled hundreds of homes and commercial buildings over the years. . He was a member of the Lorain Co. Home Builders Association of National Home Builders where he served as 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and President. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Home Builders Association. He was a trustee for the Ohio Home Builders Association and in 1987 became a Lifetime B.I.A Director. He served as a consultant at the Lorain Co. J.V.S. for the building and carpentry classes. He served on the City of Elyria Mayoral Council for four years under Mayor Len Reichlin. He was very proud to be an honorary “Kentucky Colonel” receiving the distinction in 1987.
He loved to travel and visited many countries around the world including 17 foreign countriesand 22 winters in Acapulco.
He was a member of SS. Peter and Paul Lutheran Church in Lorain where he served as an Elder for 10 years and church Trustee for 8 years. He was instrumental in the development and building of the church over 30 years ago.
He is survived by his devoted wife Julia M. Kerchmar (nee Marsalka) to whom he was married for 45 years; a brother Carl Kerchmar of Columbus. Many nieces and nephews which include his nephew Jeff Kerchmar. He is also survived by his caregiver, Peggy Brundige.
He preceded in death by two sisters Mary Bendik and Susan Chochol, brothers John and Martin Kerchmar, and by his parents, John and Mary (nee Shafer) Kerchmar.
Friends will be received at the Reichlin Roberts Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria, Ohio Friday, June 18, 2010 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 19, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. at the SS. Peter & Paul Lutheran Church, 1500 Lincoln Ave, Lorain, Ohio. Rev. Edgar O. Anthony will officiate. Burial will in Ridgehill Memorial Park, Amherst Twp., where the V.F.W. Post #1079 will conduct full military honors.
» 8 Condolences and Greetings
Debbie (Mason) Hooper
sent Tuesday, 22 June 2010 04:55
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with the friends and family. We have known the Kerchmar family for a long time, and are so sorry.
Debbie (mason) & Jerry Hooper
Dan Sciulli
sent Sunday, 20 June 2010 12:58
I remember working with Andy building houses, and the talks we had at lunch time, sitting around on the floor of the unfinished houses. He gave me a lot of good advise which helped me though life. He and his family will be in my prayers. God Bless
Shirley Price
sent Saturday, 19 June 2010 04:51
Julia, My deepest sympathies to you. Steve and I were always very fond of Andy. You might remember me from Del Lumber and my deceased husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
David K. Laczko
sent Friday, 18 June 2010 17:24
Dear Julia and family,
My most sincere sympathy. (I am David who worked at Walker Floor Covering about the time Mary Wilson moved to Florida after workinig for Clyde McDowell.) I often have thought of you and the many fine homes Andy built and you decorated, including your beautiful home on Whitman. I remember, too, your speaking of the vacations to Mexico where Andy really relaxed and you both enjoyed. While some of Andy's accomplishments I knew of, there are many just learned of and speak so much of how much he accomplished. Though we did not keep up the contact, I thought of you both often and fondly. Again, my deep sympathy and best wishes.
David Laczko
Cindy Kerchmar
sent Friday, 18 June 2010 16:21
Uncle Andy will always be remembered. He has given a lot to his community and family. I send my love to Aunt Julia and offer her my condolences.
Rich Riley
sent Thursday, 17 June 2010 10:46
To the loved ones of this Great man, a member of our Greatest Generation - my heartfelt condolences on your loss. Thank you Mr. Kerchmar for your service and sacrifice to this great nation of ours. We owe you a lifetime of debt and gratitude. You will never be forgotten and will always be remembered.
kathy meek
sent Thursday, 17 June 2010 08:53
Sorry to hear about Andy Kerchmar passing away. He will be missed by the \\\"Meek Family\\\" he was a talented man and he also built our house on Olive Street. Our prayers go out to Julia and her family.
Kathy ,Joann, Gail, Gisele, Bob, Meek
linda kerchmar reisinger
sent Thursday, 17 June 2010 07:08
Uncle Andy was the backbone to the Kerchmar Family.
while growing up Uncle Andy always had "advise" to give . He was a hard working person, who dedicated his life to Aunt Julia. She and he were the ultimate "doves."
I will never forget his generous "loan" of his station wagon, with the Kerchmar name on the side, so our family could drive out to California.He was generous to his brothers and sisters. For that we thank him.
He gave me pictures of my Father (John Kerchmar, his brother) and I will cherish them forever. Many people will miss him, but I know Aunt Julia will miss him the most. There love will always be cherished.
Peace , Love and support go to Aunt Julia,
Love, Linda Kerchmar Reisinger.
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