LaVerne “Verne” Gene Schirch died on October 1, 2025 at the age of 89. He was born on August 9, 1936, in Bloomington, Illinois to Ernest Raymond Schirch and Opal Bluette (Stahly) Schirch. Reldon Dean (1934-2022) was his only sibling. 

Verne graduated from Bluffton College (‘58) and later earned a Ph.D. in Biochemistry at the University of Michigan. He taught and did research at Bluffton College from 1963-1978 and at the Medical College of Virginia from 1978-2004.  See full obituary at www.yoderculpfuneralhome.com/obits