Lt. Col. Wilbert “Bill” Edwin Gersch Jr., 90, widower of Nancy Russell Gersch, died at Homestead Nursing Home in Lexington. Born on Aug. 27, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois he was the son of the late Wilbert and Myrtle Mae Milligan Gersch. He was a graduate of the University of Illinois. He enlisted into the United States Air Force on June 2, 1954. While in the Air Force, he advanced to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before he retired from service on June 1, 1974. Following his military career, he was employed by Sylvania until retirement. Survivors include two nephews, Kyle Roosendaal, Sandy, Utah, and Kevin Roosendaal, Salt Lake City, Utah. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Holly Kae Gersch. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 12, at Camp Nelson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be expressed on his tribute page at www.blackburnandward.com.