Luster W. “Les” Rich

Luster W. “Les” Rich, 95, of Berne, Indiana passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Tuesday morning, December 17, 2024, at Swiss Village in Berne.

He was born on January 3, 1929, in Monroe, Indiana to the late William and Clarice (Fox) Rich. Les was united in marriage to Elaine Gilliom on October 30, 1948, at Cross Reformed Church in Berne, Indiana and Elaine passed away on September 24, 2024.

Les was a member of Cross Community Church where he served in many capacities including deacon, elder, and chairman of the church consistory. Les also served as the Sunday School Superintendent. Within the community, Les was a member of the Conservation Club and former past president.

He was a graduate of Monroe High School. He began working in upholstery at Berne Furniture and retired as the Plant Superintendent following 40 years of service.

Les had a love for the outdoors, he spent countless hours hunting, fishing, tending to his garden, and simply just being outside. Les and Elaine wintered in Frostproof, Florida for over 20 years and enjoyed shuffle boarding, bicycling, and being involved in many activities within the community. While in Florida, they attended Union Congregational Church.

He is survived by his son, Ted (Diane) Rich of Berne, Indiana; daughter, Linda (Barry) Twibell of Muncie, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Pat Rich of Fort Wayne, Indiana; brother-in-law, Roy (Mary) Gilliom of Fort Wayne, Indiana; sisterin-law, Ruth Bauman of North Carolina; six grandchildren, Marc (Vanessa) Rich, Doug (Jennifer) Rich, Jennifer (Jason) Ford, Kyle (Krista) Rinker, James (Nicole) Rinker, and Laurissa (Matt) Mueller; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Les was preceded in death by a son, Robert Rich; daughter, Jane Rich; two brothers, Leroy E. “Lee” Rich and Loris Rich; and brother-in-law, Laverne (Anna Jane) Gilliom.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2024, at the Cross Community Church in Berne, Indiana with Pastor Brad Buckley and Pastor Jon Rich officiating. Burial will follow at M.R.E. Cemetery in Berne, Indiana.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, December 26, 2024, at the Swiss Village Chapel in Berne, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Preferred memorials can be given to the Cross Community Church, Swiss Village Samaritan Fund, or Heart to Heart Hospice.

Arrangements by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes, Yager-Kirchhofer Chapel of Berne, Indiana