Building a Legacy of Faith, Family & Dedication: Edward (Ed) Lerch
ARCHITECT OF ALLEMAN HIGH SCHOOL AND GRANDFATHER OF JOHN EDWARD LYONS ‘80 AND KATHY (LYONS) TALBAK ‘76.
Edward (Ed) Lerch, born in Rock Island in 1894, was the gifted architect behind Alleman High School, that has continued to serve generations of students and families. His passion for architecture shaped much of the
Catholic landscape in our region, designing schools, churches, rectories, and community buildings across Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
Ed and his wife, Rose, were deeply rooted in the Rock Island community, raising their family in faith and service. Today, his legacy is carried on not only through his architectural contributions but also through his grandchildren, John Lyons (’80) and Kathy (Lyons) Tabak (’76). As the grandchildren of Alleman’s architect, John and Kathy have embraced their family’s legacy with generosity and commitment. Their gracious gifts to Alleman have ensured that the school building Ed designed continues to be updated and maintained for future generations of students.
Ed Lerch’s Life and Work
Ed’s journey began in Rock Island, where he grew up as one of ten children. After serving as a pilot in World War I, he pursued his passion for architecture at the University of Illinois, earning a degree in Architectural Engineering. Over the years, his career spanned leadership roles at Deere & Co., United Power and Light, and Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric, where he served as Vice President of Engineering and a member of the Board of Directors. Alongside this corporate work, Ed pursued his lifelong passion through an independent architectural practice. Some of the buildings designed by Ed include:
• Alleman High School, Rock Island
• Sacred Heart School, Rock Island
• St. Pius X Catholic Church, convent, and school, Rock Island
• St. Anne Church, East Moline
• Ottumwa Heights College, Ottumwa, Iowa
• East wing of the Villa de Chantal School, Rock Island
• Wheelan Funeral Home, Rock Island
• Multiple residences, including the Frank and Rita Lyons home in Rock Island
In addition to his professional work, Ed was active in civic and faith-based organizations, serving on the boards of Villa de Chantal School, St. Pius X Church, the St. Vincent de Paul Society, and the Rock Island Planning Commission.
A Lasting Impact
Ed Lerch passed away in 1985, but the impact of his life and work endures. His vision continues to shape Alleman High School’s mission, and with the ongoing care of his grandchildren—John Lyons and Kathy Tabak as well as many other donors—the school he designed remains strong, vibrant, and ready to serve the next generation of Pioneers.