Conrad John Kercher
Connie Kercher was called to his heavenly home to be with Jesus on January 22, 2020. He was born June 17, 1926 in Yakima, Washington and lived there for two years before moving with his parents George and Anna to a ranch near Bridger, Montana. In addition to helping on the ranch, he was active in 4-H and F.F.A. projects. In May 1944, he graduated from Bridger High School with valedictorian honors. Connie worked at the ranch until he was drafted in February 1945. He was top of his Naval Radio School class and served one and one-half years in the Navy. He has two brothers, Les and Dan and one sister Carol Simmons.
On September 7, 1946, Connie married Lydia Zier and began his studies at Montana State College in Bozeman. After graduating in 1950 with a BS in Animal Husbandry, Connie began his graduate studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, receiving both a masters and Ph.D.
Connie began his career as Asst Professor of Animal Nutrition at University of Wyoming in 1954 and was then promoted to Professor. Connie taught animal nutrition courses and conducted research in nutrition. He served as acting UW Vice President for Academic Affairs from January 1975-June 1976 and as Animal Science Department head from 1987-1988. In 1971, Connie spent six weeks as an AID consultant in Afghanistan and also visited many research facilities in Europe and Asia.
Connie has authored numerous abstracts of scientific and proceedings papers, extension and experiment station publications, research and extension field day reports, beef cattle short course talks and miscellaneous reports. He received the O.D.K. Outstanding Instructor Award, 1961; the Alpha Zeta Outstanding Instructor in the College of Agriculture, 1962; the Outstanding Teacher of Undergraduates Award by the Amoco Foundation, 1973; and the Humphrey Distinguished Faculty Award, 1994. Connie was selected as a Fellow of the American Society of Animal Science, July 1985; received the Distinguished Service Award, Western Section, American Society of Animal Science, 1988; and was listed in the Outstanding Educators of America and The National Register of Prominent Americans and International Notables publications. He served as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and President of the American Society of Animal Science, 1974-1980. After a highly successful career, Connie retired in July 1996.
Although Connie’s achievements and service to the teaching profession were important, he knew that the blessing of faith in his Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of his life. Connie and Lydia built their marriage and family on that faith. Connie started his service to the Lord on the Wyoming District Lutheran Layman’s League Board followed by the International Lutheran Layman’s League Board of Governors, 1965-1969. In later years he served on the Missouri Synod Lutheran Church Board of Higher Education and was on the Board at the Seminary in St. Louis, MO. He was active in his home church, Zion Lutheran.
Connie is survived by his wife, Lydia; four daughters, Kathryn (John) Link, Nina (Mark) Williams, Jane Kercher, and Kise (Todd Eads) Kercher; grandchildren Jamie, Andrew, Andrea, Tyler, Joel, and Matthew; great grandchildren: Makyna, Hadley, Branch, Willow, Noah, Kai, Milo, and Lydia.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, January 31, 2020 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 1, 2020 at Zion Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Navy and the Laramie Veterans Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made in Connie’s name to Zion Lutheran Church, The Laramie Plains Museum and/or charity of one’s choice.
Lydia and family, Sorry to hear the news. I have a lot of fond family memories of time spent with you all. Bruce Roehrkasse
Dear Lydia, We were away when Connie passed away, so we have just learned of it. We loved Connie and we just wanted to send our love to you. Connie was a wonderful teacher and he touched so many lives. We just want to send our love to you and your family. Judy Powell and Tom Crocker
To the Kercher family, We are so sorry for your loss. It was good seeing him after my mother, Donna Fisser's funeral in 2017. Hope they are up playing bridge in Heaven. Michele & Elliott Federman
Lydia and Family It was a joy working with Connie and Lydia building their home and additions, Connie always had a smile and love working with the crews to help in anyway. I'm sorry for your lost he will be missed .
Kise and all your family, May God be with you and all at this time. You are in my thoughts and special prayers.
Lydia, Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss. I have respected Connie for the multitude of his accomplishments and f0r having been a well-liked colleague and superbly knowledgeable leader in his field of specialty. Dieter Sturm
Lydia and Daughters: So sorry to hear about Connie but know that we are there in the spirit celebrating his life. We thank Connie and Lydia for the memories and the last dinner we had together with Don F. this summer. I know that he is watching over you now and is praying for your family till you all meet again in our heavenly home. He is no longer suffering or in pain and is smiling and enjoying the fruits of heaven with our Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. May God Bless you and your families during this sorrowful time and give you strength and courage to go on without your beloved dad and husband. Our condolences to the family as we are not able to attend his funeral since my sister Terri Frausto and I are in Arizona till this next summer. He will be missed but praying for all of you. Estella Herrera
Lydia and family, I am saddened to hear of Connie's passing. When we were growing up on Rainbow, I always thought of him as the tall man in the cowboy hat! Whenever I saw him around campus he always had a smile and a kind word for me. In later years we'd always catch up with each other in the aisles of Walmart. I share your sorrow at his passing and send my sincere condolences.
Dear Aunt Lydia and Family, My condolences to all of you. God be with you all. Loretta
Lydia and family, I was sorry to learn of Connie's passing. We still treasure the photo you took of Mom shortly before her passing in 2003. Thank you to you and Connie for taking the time to visit her in Billings; she adored both of you. Thinking of you in love, Sue Higham Glidden
Looking forward to the day when we all will be together with the Lord. Uncle Connie will be there waiting for us. As will all our loved ones who have died in Christ. Come Lord Jesus, comfort those who grieve this wonderful man, he was a great example for us. Love to the Kercher family, Kathy (Sekora) and David Waldron
I never got to meet you but you raised a fine daughter.
God's blessings to all of you in your loss of a very wonderful Chistian man. We have tons of great memories of family and LOL outings. Love Susan Annette Justin Bart Hettinger.
Always knew Connie would go far. I went to school with him in Bridger and Bozeman. Sorry for your loss.
Dr. Kercher was a great mentor. I am fortunate to have had him as a part of my education. All of those times feeding sheep and cows helped cement my interest in animal science research. He will be missed. My thoughts are with you Lydia. Brenda Alexander
Lydia and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rest In Peace Uncle Connie. You are loved by all. Brad and Judi Wood
Aunt Lydia, Kathryn, Nina, Jane, & Kise, Jack and I are sorry for your loss. It doesn’t seem like that long ago we were having dinner with you and Uncle Connie in Phoenix, we will miss him. Praying for God’s comfort and His peace, that He will wrap His arms around you and ease your grief and give you His peace that passeth all understanding. Love you all, Joy and Jack
Connie will missed by many. He was an especially good friend to my parents and family. God bless and sorry for your loss.
Lydia, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a special and kind man. I have always appreciated the kindness you both have shown to Cindy and I. He will be missed. Barb Farmer
A really good man - scholar teacher and just a nice guy. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Kise and family, so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ann Benson Palomba
Deb and I are sorry to hear of Connie's passing. What an outstanding man! Lydia, Nina and I were friends when we both lived in Cheyenne back in the 70s. What a loving family this is! Robert Marsh
Lydia, Kathryn, Nina, & Kise, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We shall miss Connie. We are glad to have known him. What a blessing to pass away in his own home with family. Heidi and Jeff Reed
Dear Nina, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I lost my Dad last February 9th, and I know the hurt and pain. Your Dad five years older than mine was. You and your family are in my prayers. I'm so thankful that, though I miss him every day, I know that he is with our Dear Lord, my Mom and all the saints in heavenly glory! God bless and keep you all!
I will miss his smiling face every time I think of playing bridge with the group. He was a great person to know,
I will miss that smiling face everytime I think of playing bridge with the group. He was a great person. Sandy Reher
Don and I are so sorry for your great loss. He was a wonderful man with such a warm personality. He will be missed.