Andrew W. Wilch, Jr., 94 ½, of Columbus, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024. He was born on March 31, 1930 in Nellore, India where he spent most of his childhood before moving to the United States. Andrew graduated from Shelbyville High School and Capital University. He then went on to pursue his passion for theology at Trinity Lutheran Seminary.
As a devoted Lutheran minister, Andrew served congregations in Leland, Illinois; East Palestine, Ohio; Botkins, Ohio; Monroeville, Ohio; and Struthers, Ohio, where he faithfully ministered before retiring to Gahanna, Ohio. His deep love for his faith was exemplified by his dedication to the church, especially through his love of singing in the choir. Outside of ministry, Andrew found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed yard work, stamp collecting, and reading.
Andrew is survived by his three beloved daughters; Virginia (Murray Houllif) Wilch, Nancy (David) DuPree, and Linda Morelli; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Daniel Frank) Morelli and Christopher (Cathleen Gleason) Morelli; great grandchildren, Isabella and Luca Frank.
He is preceded in death by his first wife Wilma (Sell) Wilch and second wife Patricia (Biddle) Wilch; his parents, Andrew W. Sr. and Marie L (Haueisen) Wilch; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Dave) Fritzche and son-in-law, Anthony Morelli.
A visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024 from 4-7pm at Schoedinger Northeast, 1051 East Johnstown Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, October 5, 2024 St. Luke Lutheran Church, 4456 Morse Rd, Columbus, OH 43230 beginning at 11am.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to ECLA at https://elca.org/Our-Work/Global-Mission