Michael Gene Lersch

Michael Gene Lersch, 58, of Powhatan, died suddenly July 16 while visiting family in Texas. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary, and his mother Shirley. He is survived by his wife, Ann, and daughter Heidi (with spouse Angel and children Hunter and Juniper), sons Peter and James, and daughter Kelly (with spouse Ryan), and by father and mother Gene and Dianne, and siblings Judy, Jeff, Robert, James and Eileen and their families. Michael was born in Gary, Indiana, graduated from North Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh, and earned a B.S. in Chemistry from the University of Pittsburgh where he became a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He spent his career working in the paper industry, starting in paper chemicals and the transition to the alkaline process, then in manufacturing for James River Corporation at paper mills in Parchment, MI and Hyde Park, MA, and later the bulk of his career designing, selling, installing and servicing refiner plates used in the wet end of the paper manufacturing process for Andritz, Inc. Mike was an avid golfer and fisherman, and a life-long fan of Pitt sports and the Pittsburgh Pirates, Steelers and Penguins. He and his love of family, sense of humor, honesty, generosity and intensity will be sorely missed. The family will receive friends Friday, July 24 from 6 to 8pm in the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy.(Rt.60), Powhatan. A Memorial Mass in celebration of Michael's life will be held at St John Neumann Catholic church on 2480 Batterson Rd., Powhatan on Saturday, July 25th at 11:00am, it is suggested attendees wear blue and gold. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations to the American Heart Association or the University of Pittsburgh.

Service:

Saturday, July 25, 2015 11:00 am

St. John Neumann Catholic Church 2480 Batterson Rd. Powhatan, Va. 23139



Visitation:

Friday, July 24, 2015 6:00 to 8:00 pm

Bennett & Barden Funeral Home 3215 Anderson Hwy. Powhatan, Va. 23139