Obituary of Edward R Barch

Conneaut- Edward R. Barch, 76, of Conneaut struggled with depression and anxiety throughout his life and passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 5, 2016. Edward was born on June 15, 1940 in Monessen, Pennsylvania the son of Edward H. and Marianne (Kabala) Barch. He graduated from Monessen High School Class of 1958 and the California State Teacher's College in Pennsylvania in 1962. Edward later received his master's degree in Education from Edinboro College in 1969. He married the love of his life, Judith Arneman in Erie, Pennsylvania on February 23, 1963. Mr. Barch was a Science and Math teacher with the Windham, Conneaut and Buckeye School Districts. Ed was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and enjoyed spending time at the Northwestern Sportsmen's Club, Amboy Rifle Club and the Monroe Sportsman's Club, of which he was also a member. In the neighborhood, Ed was known as the "go-to guy" for home and garden advice. He was a self-proclaimed jack-of-all trades and master of some. He was always willing to lend a tool, of which he usually had at least one or two extras. Ed took great pride in maintaining his home and yard. He was also very proud of his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments. Mr. Barch is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Judith Barch; children, Kathryn (Brian) Cook of Rochester, MN, Lori (Bill Melnik) Barch of Ostrander, OH, Edward (Amanda Schultz) Barch, Columbus, OH and Lisa Kiwala of Eastlake, OH; and grandchildren, Olivia and Anna Cook, Adam (Taylor) Chandler and Lindsay Kiwala. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Arlene Barch; and a son-in-law, Mark Kiwala. Funeral services and dinner will be held Friday, November 11, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 876 Grove St. (corner of Lake Rd.), Conneaut, with Pastoral Assistant, Nancy Guthrie, officiating. Burial will take place following the funeral dinner at Laurel Hill Cemetery, 4523 Love Rd., Erie, PA at 2:30 PM (Please meet at the entrance). Calling hours will be held Thursday, November 10, 2016 from 4 to 7 PM at the Thompson Smith Nesbitt Funeral Home, 345 Main St., Conneaut and on Friday at the church from 10 AM until time of services at 11 AM. Memorials in his memory may be given to the Abiding Memorial Fund at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, a Mental Health Organization, or a charity of your choice.