Mr. Ernest D.  "Ernie" Burch, 76, of Rochester and formerly of Bremen passed away at 6:20 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020 at Life Care Center of Rochester.

On June 6, 1944, Ernie was born in Plymouth to Lawrence and Mary Senf Burch. He was one of ten children.

Ernie and Janice K. Martin were married on October 6, 1964 in Tyner. They shared 55 years of life's adventures. From their union came 2 daughters and a son. Two more generations have been added to the family tree.

The Burch family owned  a business  and lived in Fort Lauderdale, FL for nearly 30 years. Nearing retirement they moved  back to Indiana and made the Marshall County area their home. With failing health, Ernie moved to Rochester to live with his brother Larry.

Ernie was self employed as a cable contractor for tele-communications.  Needing to be busy, Ernie worked on anything mechanical, usually small engine repair. Home improvements were always taken care of in a timely manner. As an avid fisherman, he enjoyed time deep sea fishing.  The craft of gunsmithing was a favorite hobby. To design, modify and repair his firearms for hunting season was better than the actual hunt. He was often successful during deer season and occasionally he would get a wild turkey.

Left to cherish the memories of Ernie are his daughter, Jessica Melissinos and husband Jason of Lake Helen, FL; son, Scott Allen Burch and companion Jennifer Koscielyn of Quartzsite, AZ; eight grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; sister, Martha Ulrey of New Port Ritchey, FL; brother Larry Burch of Rochester; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding Ernie in death are his parents; wife; daughter Mary K. Jena on November 12, 2013; three sisters: Evelyn Fisher, Lois Fritz, Velma Parrish; four Burch brothers: toddler Warren, Norman, Roy and Vernon.

Due to the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic, the services will be scheduled for a later date.