William Lerche

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.