Ronald “Dondo” Lee Lerch, 84, of Fort Wayne, IN, passed away on March 11, 2020. He was born in Fort Wayne on October 19th, 1935 to the late Norbert and Hilda Lerch. Ron was a graduate of Fort Wayne Central Catholic High School where he excelled in athletics, most notably football. He was obviously a recognized authority on taxation, and particularly US tax law. Dondo went on to study and graduate from the school of business at Indiana University. Dondo founded Power Hose Couplings in 1961 where he worked until he retired in 2018. Ron’s greatest pastimes were spending time at their family’s lake place on Lake James with family and friends. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, reading, caddying for his favorite grandson Shane and hanging out with his grandkids. Ron is survived by his two sons, Chris (Shelley) Lerch and Tracey (Judy) Lerch; 8 grandchildren; Lindsey Araujo, Shane (Erinn) Araujo, Logan Araujo, Katherine (Jim) Chalfant, Cody Lerch, Courteney (Peter) Mahan, Lexie and Tristan Lerch; 4 great-grandchildren, Delaney Raypole, August, Sevie and Raines Araujo; 2 sisters, Joyce Bauermeister and Terri Stowe; and many lifelong friends. Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Dalene Lerch (nee Elzey); and their first child Kimberly Lerch Araujo; brother, Larry Lerch; and sister, Sandy Fox. Mass of Christian Resurrection is 10:30 am, Saturday, May 9, 2020 at St. Jude Catholic Church, 2130 Pemberton Dr., with calling one hour prior. A celebration of life gathering will follow for family and friends at the Lakehouse. Memorials may be made to Easter Seals Arc of Northeast Indiana. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.fairhavenfortwayne.com