Bernel E. Boich

Bernel E. Boich, 82, of Hendersonville, NC, died Wednesday morning, September 16, 2009 at his home.

Born October 9, 1926 in Peoria, IL, he was the son of the late Peter and Helen Strmac Boich.

He graduated from Woodruff High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1943, serving as Seaman 1st Class with his last tour of duty in Toulon, France. Honorably discharged in 1945, he received the American Area Ribbon, the ETO Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon and the Victory Ribbon. He reenlisted in the Army in 1949, serving as a radio operator and corporal with the 16th Infantry Regiment in Germany. He was honorably discharged in 1952, receiving the Army of Occupation Medal.

After serving in the military, he began work at Keystone Steel and Wire Company, retiring in 1985 after 30 yearsí employment. He and his wife, Betty, relocated to North Carolina in 1988, where he lived until his death at their home in Hendersonville.

Surviving are his loving wife of 38 years, Betty R. Boich; three step-children, Arnie Merkle, Heidi Merkle Smith and Marty Merkle; three children by his previous marriage, Helen Boich Casali, Buddy Carlson, and Marko Boich; three sisters, Martha Stuber and Sara Jackson, both of Phoenix, AZ, and Helen Ugron of Peoria, IL; one brother, Arnold Boich of Minneapolis, MN; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Hendersonville, 312 5th Avenue West, Hendersonville, NC 28739.