Louis Lee Burch

December 18, 1926 — January 27, 2024

Louis (Bud) Burch

December 18, 1926-January 27, 2024

Bud was born on December 18, 1926, to Louis Lee and Bertha Burch in Charter Oak, Iowa. He passed away at Hospice House, The Josie Harper Residence in Omaha on January 27, 2024 at the age of 97.

After Bud was born, the family grew with each new town they resided in. Eventually Louis Lee Jr. (Bud) would be big brother to eight siblings. His parents settled in Missouri Valley, Iowa where Bud helped care for his siblings, and attended public school. The family worshiped at St. Paul Lutheran Church, where Bud was confirmed. His love of Jesus was a gift from his mother that she firmly planted in his heart from a young age. Bud spent summers working as a farm hand for an aunt and uncle as a teenager. His interest in growing crops and raising livestock soon developed. He even helped dig a new well one summer on the farm. Bud graduated from Missouri Valley High School, class of 1944 and was soon serving his country in post-war Germany.

Thanks to the GI Bill, Bud entered undergraduate studies at Iowa State University and eventually graduated with a degree in Veterinary Medicine. As Dr. L.L. Burch, DVM, he embarked on his career in Logan, Iowa, where he navigated muddy roads to administer vaccines, dehorn cattle and diagnose and treat illness in livestock. He got to know many farmers in Harrison County, Iowa. One gentleman would introduce him to his widowed daughter named Betty, mother of two children under five years old. On December 31, 1954, Bud married Betty Sorensen Brown and soon adopted Cindy and Roger.

With the addition of more children to the family, Bud’s career path took him to employment with the USDA. Eventually, they settled in the northwestern Iowa town of Estherville to raise their family of five children. Bud supported his family well, by working long hours. He enjoyed family trips to national parks and major league ballparks, especially seeing his favorite team, the Chicago Cubs in action! After their children were grown, he and Betty continued traveling to many locations in the United States including Washington, D.C, San Francisco, Boston, and Hawaii. After retirement, he and Betty moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be closer to family. It was there that they joined Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church, making good friends in Christ, volunteering and participating in Bible studies. They also loved visits with the five grandchildren, watching them play baseball, soccer, football or enjoying show choir competitions and piano recitals. They also attended confirmations and college graduations.

Bud counted all these blessings and gave thanks for each one of them. As a gardener, he wanted to continue to plant seeds for his Savior, Christ Jesus. Bud was joyful whenever he could share the Gospel with a stranger, family or friend. Bud planted seeds of faith in a new garden location at Immanuel Lakeside Assisted Living in Omaha, Nebraska, in September 2018. This move was due to an intracerebral hemorrhage, making independent living in his own home no longer an option. Bud regained his strength and once again attended Bible studies, worship services and concerts. He made friends with fellow residents and staff, all while sharing his deep faith.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Betty, son Roger, daughter Mary; and granddaughter, Alesa Shevel; sisters Lois Baker, Paula Swift, Julia Gingerich, brothers William (Bill) and Robert (Bob). Bud is survived by his children, Cindy (George) Jones, Mark (Jill) Burch, Jan (David) Nelson, Joanie (Scott) Shevel; grandchildren, Chris (Karen) Jones, Kelly (Lori) Jones, Matthew (Asheley) Burch, Abby (Mike) Dilger and Katy Shevel; great grandchildren, Sam Jones and Harper, Hudson and Hadley Burch. He is also survived by his sisters Joyce Dow, Carol Flinn and by his brother Bennett Burch, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held at 9:30am on Saturday, February 3rd, 2024 followed by a Celebration of Bud’s Life at 10:30am, at Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. A luncheon at the church will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church or Hospice House, The Josie Harper Residence.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, February 3, 2024

9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)

Divine Shepherd Lutheran Church

15005 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68137

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Funeral Service