Loren L. Liechty

Loren L. Liechty, 96, of Berne, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at Swiss Village in Berne.  Loren was born on April 30, 1928 in Adams County, IN to Robert and Emma (Sprunger) Liechty.  He was a graduate of Berne High School, class of 1946.   Loren married Joan Byerly on January 2, 1949.

Loren was a member of Pleasant Dale Church of the Brethren from 1949 – 1971.  Since 1971 he was a member of First Missionary Church in Berne where he was involved as a Sunday school teacher, trustee, member of the Church board and previous chairman of the building committee that oversaw the construction of many projects over the years.  He was also a regular attender and member of the Friendly Bible Sunday School Class.  Loren worked at International Harvester in Fort Wayne and later became a building contractor.  Loren spent 50 years of his life building homes in numerous counties of Indiana and Ohio.  He built the first buildings at the current Swiss Village location in the 1960’s and the Bethel Brethren Church both located in Berne.   He was also the developer, builder of many apartments in Berne. 

Loren was for many years, a woodworker, creating numerous items for him and his family members.  Loren and Joan loved to travel and wintered in Mesa, Arizona for a number of years.

Loren loved Berne; he was very proud of his heritage and enjoyed serving his community whenever possible.  He was a member of the Adams County Republican Council at large for 8 years, Swiss Days Committee for many years and Chairman of the Berne Chamber of Commerce.  Loren was a strong supporter of and donor to the Muensterberg Plaza and Clock Tower.

Survivors include his 3 sons Terry Liechty of Decatur, IN, Gary (Betty) Liechty, William “Bill” (Margaret) Liechty; daughter Penelope “Penny” (Steve) Haines; all of Berne, IN; 6 grandchildren; Ben (Rebeccah) Liechty, Luke (Amy) Liechty, Tammy (Nathan) Meyer, Jason (Maggie) Liechty, James (Lauren) Liechty, Justin (Carson) Haines; 21 great grandchildren. 

Loren was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joan A. Liechty, 5 brothers Melvin, Gordon, James and Samuel and Robert Liechty; 4 sisters Anna Meyers, Corena Liechty, Colleen Smith and Berneta Lehman; Granddaughter Nichole “Nikki” Summersett.

Visitation will be from Noon – 3:00 p.m. Sunday, October 27, 2024 at Haggard-Hirschy & Zelt Funeral, Decatur.

Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 28, 2024 at First Missionary Church, Berne with Pastor Rick Schwartz officiating. Calling will also be 1 hour prior to services from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church.

Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Missionary Church.

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