On November 20, 2020 Lydia Z. Kercher was called to her heavenly home after a brief illness only 10 months after the death of her beloved husband of 73.5 years, Connie Kercher.
Lydia Sophia Zier Kercher was born in Hardin, Montana January 11, 1928, the daughter of Katherine Margaret Reichert Zier and Henry J. Zier. She was raised in and near Bridger, Montana, by her mother, along with eight sisters and four brothers. She is the middle child of this baker’s dozen, the holy seventh. Lydia entered God’s Kingdom at her baptism on February 5, 1928 and was confirmed in her faith on June 14, 1942.
Lydia attended schools in Carbon County Montana and graduated from Bridger High School in 1945. She attended Montana State College for two years, 1946-1948. She graduated with honors in Office Administration, College of Commerce and Industry, University of Wyoming in 1968. She completed a M.S. in Business Education, College of Education in 1972 and a PHD in Adult Education in 1989. Lydia taught in the College of Education at University of Wyoming for 22 years, retiring as an Associate Professor in 1994.
She was a member of five Educational Honor Societies including Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma, Kappa Delta Phi, Phi Delta Kappa and Delta Kappa Gamma, serving on many committees and an officer in several. Lydia received the George Washington Medal of Honor “Excellence in Economic Education”: Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge which was the first one ever received in Wyoming and only one awarded per year. She received the UW College of Education Distinguished Former Faculty Award in 2010 and was also inducted into the Wyoming Business Education Hall of Fame and the Wyoming Association of Career and Technical Education Hall of Fame. Lydia was active in many professional organizations at the national, regional and state levels and had numerous articles in nationally respected publications. Since retirement, Lydia was active in numerous volunteer activities, church work, bridge groups, arts and photography and loved to travel and create memories with her family. She kept extensive journals of those journeys for us to continue to enjoy in her absence.
Lydia married Conrad (Connie) J. Kercher on September 7, 1946 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridger Montana where they first met. They have four daughters: Kathryn Kercher Link (John), Nina Williams (Mark), Jane Kercher and Kise Kercher Eads (Todd). Her beloved grandchildren include Jamie Nordin, Andrew (Reba) Nordin, Andrea (Ira) Merback, Tyler (Katie) Williams, Joel Williams and Matthew Kercher. Lydia was also blessed to enjoy eight great grandchildren: Makyna, Hadley, Branch, Willow, Noah, Kai, Milo and Lydia with a ninth due in a few weeks.
Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 Friday, December 4, 2020 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery. To attend the services virtually follow the live stream link:
During these pandemic times, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lydia’s name to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church and/or the Laramie Plains Museum.
The family asks that you take a moment to hug your child, grandchild, loved one, or a friend, as time waits for no one. God’s Blessings always!
I am unfortunately quite late in leaving my deepest sympathies to all of the Kercher children. Lydia was a wonderful and kind person who befriended my family when we first moved to Laramie in 1961. She and her beloved husband Connie are deeply missed by many I am certain. Jon Carrow
Our family is honored to have known Lydia and Connie. They welcomed us into the Zion family with open arms. Both of them exemplified a life of service and sacrifice. We rejoice that we will see them again in heaven and pray for the family and friends who are enduring the grief of their passing.
I remember Mrs. Kercher from a number of classes at University Prep. She was a gracious lady and a fine teacher.
Dear Kathryn,Nina,Jane and Kise. We are sorry for your loss. Mom, Judi and I just finished the virtual service. I will always remember your mom telling me she was perfect. I now know she told everyone. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We love our sister, aunt and friend. Love Lillian, Judi and Brad.
Kathryn, Nina, Jane, and Kise, Please know that the Botkin family is thinking of you. Remembering spending time with all of you in February when we celebrated your Dad's life, and Lydia was so vibrant and happy to be surrounded by so much family and so many friends. Our UW Ag Family has lost another good one. I remember walking to your house -- which was several blocks from ours (it had a cool front porch as I recall) before your family moved East of town. So many memories come flooding back. Love and hugs to all of you. Jan
Connie and Lydia were certainly an icon in Laramie, the Dept. of Ag, the Zion Lutheran Church and every organization they were involved in. Lydia was so very accomplished but I am sure she would say that her greatest accomplishment was her family. She was so proud of all of you. I know she will be greatly missed.
Kathryn, Nina, Jane, Kise, and family, You all are in Jack and my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss. I have many nice memories of Aunt Lydia. Some of my recent ones are from when your mom and dad came to Phoenix and we met and had dinner together, Kathy and David too. They always made me feel special to them, I knew they loved me. I always feel so blessed to be a part of our Zier family. We love you and pray for God’s blessings, His peace and His care for you. Jack and Joy
Kise, prayers for you and your family at this time in the loss of your mom thinking of you.
Dearest Kathryn, Nina, Janey and Kise, So sorry. I am so honored to be the Goddaughter of my dearest Aunt Lydia and Uncle Connie. Throughout my life they both cared for me in many ways. The trips to National Parks, Centennial for steaks, visits to their home for meals, reunions, NJ visits (both in Bloomfield and at the shore) will long be cherished memories that I will carry in my heart. Aunt Liddie made no secret that she loved Jimmy because he always made her laugh, and that I "picked a good one". Over the years when she traveled she would often bring me back a little gift. Rummikub and Pinochle games were some of my fondest memories with her. She never failed to remind me that I was her Goddaughter each time we were together...and I always felt her deep love and appreciated the guidance offered to me. I am ever grateful to have been a part of her and Uncle Connie's lives, and to have spent time with her in February. Sending love to the entire family. Dale Joy, Jimmy, and Kids.
We are sorry for your loss. It is hard to let go of your loved ones in life, but you have the comfort of knowing where she is now. Prayers for your family!
Gone but never forgotten! My God Mother, when my Mom Louise passed away, Aunt Lydia took me under her God Mother wings. She took me as #5. She added me to her girls list. She was a comfort to me in my grief. My prayers to the Kercher girls. I know your loss. My love to the family. Kathy (Sekora) & Dave Waldron
Dominic and I send our deepest sympathies. She was such a sweet soul. I know that my mom and dad, John and Gladys Maurer send their sympathies as well. Glad she is back home with Conrad. They were always so cute together. Love to all of you and happy memories.
My sympathy to the family. She was very nice lady, Amen
I wish to say to the family, may Lydia and also Connie rest in peace. My name is Bill Brown, I knew the Zier family well they lived about 2 miles north of our farm at Belfry. Lydia was a bit younger than my age of 90. However I graduated from Bridger High School Class of 1942. What a great life she lived, an example of what our country is all about, where a person of modest means can reach the top. Just a little history, Clara and I were classmates at Belfry High School. For class events I had use of the family car and would pick Clara up, she also was a favorite dance partner along with Louise. It was always great to reconnect with them along with Lydia at the annual Jim Bridger Days. One other event, Clara an I corresponded during my time in the Navy during WW II and years later I was in the New York area, went to see her in New Jersey. I am a little off track with this note, but wanted to express my memories and to say what a neat person Lydia was and a wonderful family.
Lydia was a fine educator, loved by students and colleagues alike. She was always welcoming with a big smile and a "glad to see you.” We always enjoyed the opportunity to see and visit with her. She was a wonderful person and will be missed. Our most sincere condolences to her family.
I'm so sorry that Lydia has left us. I have many memories of her and Conrad in Mexico. At least she is now with him. My thoughts and prayers are for her family left behind. Hold onto the memories as they will help you through this difficult time. Love to you all, Donna Thompaon
Kathryn, Nina, Jane & Kise, My heart broke when I heard about your mom. As you know, She was a second mom to the Brosz girls. And a very dear family friend. I have so many wonderful memories of our families and the LLL conventions and activities at Zion. Breakfast on Sunday morning after church. She made the grooms cake for Rich & I when we got married. She was a special lady and will be missed. Prayers and hugs to all of you. Know I am there with you guys in spirit. Love Nancy & Rich
My sincere condolences to all. May God bless and comfort you. I am Amelia's daughter.
Kathryn, Jane, Nina and Kise - I have such wonderful memories of your mother and cherish the impact she made on my life. She taught me self confidence as one of my 4-H leaders - my first blue ribbon for baking a loaf of bread. And she taught me the importance of a job well done through the many hours I spent in her classroom at Laramie Jr. High. I had the great gift of getting to work with both Connie and Lydia over the years at UW too. Both of your parents have been gifts to our community. I send you all my thoughts and prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to all -Aunt Lydia will continue to shine brightly in my heart. Many memories collide: visiting her and uncle Connie in Ithaca, NY. Laughing lots when “the sisters” visited my mom Clare in NJ. Her unwavering support through my mother’s illness. I loved her spunk, and am glad I inherited that Zier stuff, too. May she rest in a peace well deserved.
Dear Kathryn,, Nina, Jane and Kise, So sorry to hear of your moms passing. May Gods peace be with you during this difficult time. Our Heavenly Father has welcomed her with open arms, “Life well lived my good and faithful servant”. What a wonderful legacy she has left her family! Much love and Godbless, Roxanne
Know that Lydia had great influence on many people throughout her lifetime, just as Connie did. Likely unbeknownst to her daughters, she was one of several Lutheran women in the 1960's that kept a friendly eye on all of the ornery boys attending church services. I am certain that all of her family carries that Kercher "tradition" on in one manner or another. She is in the best of places today.
We met Lydia about 10 years ago through Don and Pearl Brosz. Lydia was a very loving and caring Christian woman. We were blessed to have known her. We have many fond memories of our times together.
My heart aches! I have so many great memories of Aunt Lydia. She was a great cook and I always knew I could get a good meal and have a great visit at her house. When I got married Aunt Lydia made the flowers for my wedding, what a special gift! I am most thankful for how kind your mother was to my son Philip while he attended the University of Wyoming. He went to her house once a month for dinner and they played cards! We know there is a special reunion in heaven right now. I pray your family finds great comfort in all your memories of her. She definitely made memories. I love you all. Dorothy Reimann
Thinking of all of you in this time of sorrow. May the God of all comfort surround you with love grace and peace. Lee and Judy Miller
So sad to hear of Lydia’s passing from Don. It was hard for him to tell us & even harder for us to hear without tears. She was a great friend along with your father. We miss the restaurant because of our dear customer friend’s like them & all of you. I know she is so happy in God’s hands & with the family that are there to welcome her home. God bless you all in this difficult time. Stay safe. Love you all. Bob, Terri & Frausto family. ???❤️
Kise, My heart is breaking for you during this time of loss. May the Lord bless you and hold you in his presence during this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers always. Love you girl!
I'm so sorry to learn of Mrs. Kercher's passing. She was a great teacher who was quite forgiving of the antics of a junior high boy!
I am saddened to hear of Dr,Kercher’s passing. I remember her fondly from my days of working on my Master’s. Degree in education. Regards Jan Perry Evenstad