Wendell R. Lerch Jr.

St. Petersburg, FL – Wendell “Dell” R. Lerch, Jr., 75, of Romulus NY and St. Petersburg, FL passed away from complications from the COVID-19 virus on Sunday, August 29, 2021.  At this time there will be no calling hours or services in New York, burial will be at the convenience of the family.   Arrangements are being made by Iseneker Funeral Home, Inc. of Lowville, New York.   

Dell was born September 30, 1945 the son of Wendell and Florene (Robbins) Lerch in Memphis, Tennessee.  Dell attended Romulus Central School and married the love of his life Helen Crowther on September 21, 1973.  They would have celebrated 48 years of marriage next month.  Dell and Helen stayed in the Romulus area, Helen pursuing nursing while Dell worked his own farm and continued to work at the family farm.   Dell and Helen moved to Florida in 1990, Dell worked for IDS of St. Petersburg for several years.  Dell and Helen returned to NYS as Dell loved farming, working on the farm for many years, up to their seasonal return to Florida in 2019.  Over the span of his life, Dell fed, nurtured and tended to the many farm animals and livestock in his care.  Dell loved all animals and cared for horses, dogs, cats and the countless strays that found their way to him, they were never turned away.

Dell was preceded in death by his father, Wendell, his mother, Florene and his niece Carrie Norton.  He is survived by his wife, Helen; brothers, Robert (LuAnn) of MacDougall, NY, Richard “Rick” (Judith) of Waterloo, NY, and sister, Linda (William) Rescorl of Florida.  Also survived by Michael (Becky) Veeder of Florida and Steven Veeder of Canandaigua, NY; grandchildren Kari Veeder of Romulus, NY;  Kevan Veeder and Katlynn Veeder both of FL, Korey Veeder of Ohio; Devan Veeder of Newark, NY, Katherine Veeder of Schenectady, NY; Dell stayed close to his Godson and nephew, Daniel Richard Lerch of Waterloo, NY and is also survived by his Aunt Beverly Hunt of Penn Yan, several cousins, nieces, nephews and nine great grandchildren.    

A very special thank you to our grandson Kevan Veeder, who supported and helped care for his Grampa Dell and to all of our supportive friends, especially Sharon Draund, Charles Perkins, Lynette Brown, Sue Boyd and Margaret Dadswell, their kindness will never be forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dell’s memory to Happiness House, 731 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456. Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.isenekerfuneralhome.com 

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