Paul Zuercher

Paul Wayne Zuercher, 90, of Berne passed away Friday, Jan. 20, 2023, at Swiss Village in Berne. He was born July 17, 1932, in Berne to David and Leona (Lehman) Zuercher. He was married to Iona Smitley.
He graduated from Geneva High School and then worked at Dunbar until he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February of 1952, where he served onboard the USS George Clymer (APA-27) during the Korean conflict as an engineman also doing duty on the ship's troop landing-craft. He retired from the Navy Reserves in May of 1989 as a senior chief, having served as the command master chief at the Fort Wayne Naval Reserves. He was an active member of Bethel Brethren Church where he helped members and guests feel welcomed. He was a member of the Adams County Coin Club and the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association.
He and his wife enjoyed attending auctions and flea markets. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his family and grandchildren. He is remembered for repairing cars in his garage with his kids helping and playing Santa Claus in Berne. He also enjoyed speaking in Swiss to the Amish kids.
He is survived by three daughters, Kathy (David) Diveley; and Kendra (Verle) Lloyd, both of Berne; and Karleen Zuercher of Hallandale Beach, Florida; son, Kerry (Denise) Zuercher of Celina, Ohio; brother Howard Zuercher of Berne; sister Marilyn (Larry) Graham of South Roxanna, Illinois; eight grandchildren, Kassie (Brandon) Bowman; Bryan (Angela) Lloyd; Ben (Amy) Diveley; Rachel (Sam) Heckard; Jacob (Ashley) Diveley; Leah (Cameron) Cuckler; Renee (Peter) Krstevski; Sierra Zuercher, and eight great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; five brothers, Cliffton Zuercher, Samuel Zuercher, James Zuercher, Arthur Zuercher and Gary Zuercher; and three sisters, Rowene (Robert) Whisler, Martha (Jack) Schug and Pauline (David) Solano. Visitation will be one hour prior to the 11 a.m. funeral service Tuesday, Jan. 24 in the Swiss Village Auditorium in Berne. Burial will be at Marion National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight of Northeast Indiana — www.hfnei.org.
Arrangements provided by Liechty Funeral Home in Berne. Online condolences may be made at www.liechtyfuneralhome.com.