Obituaries
Bryan K. Lauch, 40
September 06, 2017
Bryan K. Lauch, 40 years old, passed away suddenly at his home in Korena, Slovenia on September 6, 2017 after a long battle with depression. This world is a heavy load for the most beautiful of souls.
Born in Lancaster, April 12, 1977, Bryan was the son of Milton Lauch and Judith Lauch of Lititz, PA, the brother of Sarah Lauch Schippman and brother-in-law of John Schippman of Chicago, Illinois and the father of Bjorn Lauch, born in 2007 in Pittsburgh, PA and now living in Slovenia.
Bryan grew-up in Manheim and was a graduate of Manheim Central High School where he was a member of the soccer team. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a Masters Degree from the State University of New York at Stoney Brook. Bryan also attended the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia and completed a ceramics apprenticeship with Leo Grilli in Gubbio, Italy.
During his life Bryan had many adventures. While living in Brooklyn, Queens and Jamaica, New York he designed and installed roof top gardens in Manhattan, helped install the famed Christo and Jeananne-Claude Gates in Central Park and had numerous exhibits of his own art displayed on the east coast.
He was a ceramics instructor, model maker, metal caster, and teacher of beginning ceramics and drawing at the State University of New York. After moving to Pittsburgh he became an adjunct professor at the University of Pittsburgh and Carlow University. Bryan was also an instructor at the Andy Warhol Museum, a sculpture instructor for The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts and an art instructor for the Society for Contemporary Crafts.
After moving to Maribor, Slovenia in 2007 with his family, Bryan taught English for Language Experts, tutored numerous private clients, tended a vineyard, made wine and created art. Many of his wooden sculptures are displayed prominently in public squares throughout Europe. He was the youngest member ever inducted into the International Painting and Sculpture Gathering in Slovenia.
He was a very devoted father to Bjorn who was the light of his life. We hope that Bryan’s family and friends will always carry the memories of his happy days in their hearts.
Funeral services have been conducted in Slovenia. Those wishing to celebrate Bryan’s life are asked to give a donation in his name to a charity of their choice.
Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
January 08, 2018
Bryan made a big impression on me while I was studying art at IUP. He was a year ahead of me, but his talent was known by all. We only talked once when I accidentally used his clay. He initially got mad at me, but then apologized and we had a great, long chat afterwards about life. He was such a gifted artist and a caring and passionate person. I am so sorry to hear that the world lost such an unforgettable soul. Cordially, Heidi
September 23, 2017
This was not how it was supposed to end. 35 years ago we were making mud pies in the back yard. He was teasing me about my awful high school hair. He was the perfect student, an amazing artist… a soccer star. My parents made the BEST life for us. So, why? How? I would do ANYTHING for 1 more minute to tell him how much he meant to me….. how his future was so bright…. how it would be really tough to live this life without him and his contagious laugh… how his son would miss him so, so much if he left.
I ask all of you to please listen to someone who is reaching out. We are all busy doing bs… running around and not taking time for ourselves… for each other. I am SO guilty of it.
Life seems so unfair when someone is taken from us at just 40. I promise to carry on Bryan’s legacy, proudly and with my head held high. God, I am so proud of him. For Bjorn, his son, I will share the memories of the brilliant human and loving soul that his father was and will continue to be in our memories.
I cannot tell you how comforting it is to have SO many people reaching out during this devastating time. Though I have not replied to everyone, I have read every comment, message and email and I can tell you they mean the world to me. Without you, I do not think I could get through this. I know that my parents feel the same way. Everyone who has reached out has mentioned Bryan’s smile and I know that it will shine down on all of us when we need it the most.
His friend Anthony put it best, “I like to imagine that this world couldn’t contain the limitless imagination and creativity of such a truly exceptional soul”. Yes.
For anyone wanting to honor his life, Bryan’s amazing friends have created a fund for Bjorn to use for travel or education, two things that were close to his father’s heart. TO DONATE: https://fundly.com/in-memory-of-bryan-lauch
I love you Bry and we miss you so much- so many people miss you so much. I know that you are at peace and I will carry you in my heart forever.
September 21, 2017
So sorry to hear about your loss. Prayers are with you all.
Judy Deppen
September 19, 2017
Dear Judy and Milt, I think of you every day and pray that you will find peace. I am so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a dearly loved child. Barb Hains
September 17, 2017
Milt and Judy………..our family sends our condolences and our hearts go out to both of you and Sarah. I remember getting and sending Christmas cards to Bryan, and there was always a picture Bjorn in the card. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Cousin Gloria Fogal
September 17, 2017
Dear Judy and Milt,
We saw Bryan’s obiturary in the newspaper and was so saddened. Our heartfelt sympathy to both of you and your family.
Arlene and Terry Wilhelm
September 16, 2017
Sarah, Milt, and Judy,
Even though I have not seen all of you in years, I am so sorry for your loss… May you find Comfort in friendship.. Hope in Prayer.. Peace in love.. and Rest in Jesus. I have so many fond memories of being in your home. Praying God will give you Grace for each new day!
Suzanne Miller King
September 16, 2017
Judy & family,
My condolences of the loss of your son Bryan. While I did not know him, you often talked about Bryan and his artistic ability. He always seemed like such a nice young man. On behalf my family, our thoughts and prayers are with you!
Jim Kimmel & family
September 16, 2017
Dear Lauch Family,
Our condolensces during this difficult time. I graduated with Bryan, Manheim Central Class of ’95, and had several classes with him. What a great guy! I am sorry for your loss, and will be praying for strength, peace, and comfort for your family.
Eric Wenger, Lititz, PA
September 15, 2017
Milton, Judy and Sarah,
I am so very sorry to hear of Bryan’s passing. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Klimchak (Dena’s college roommate)
September 14, 2017
Judy and Milton
We were so sorry to hear about Bryan’s passing. We never expect to outlive our children. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Our condolences also to Sarah.
Sincerely
Judy and Mike Sobeck
September 14, 2017
My heart and prayers will be forever with you. I’m so sorry for this tragic loss of such an amazing and epic dear friend.
-Zach Boyle
September 14, 2017
Prayers for all of you and know this beautiful angel of a man is at peace. My thoughts are with you.
Love from Alabama
Anita Rice
September 14, 2017
Sarah and Family,
I am so, so, sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for all of you. Bryan was truly one of the nicest people I’ve ever met and such a talented artist. The world will miss him so much. His remarkable spirit will live on with all of you and his adorable son. I will miss him too. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.
Shannon and Mike
September 14, 2017
I am Melissa Marbella mother. I met Brian through her and my son in law Anthony. My heart is broken for all of his family. He was the nicest young man. So caring and kind. I pray he has found peace.
September 14, 2017
I didn’t t know Bryan , I send my family’s prayers of comfort for your loss.
I saw the post on Facebook and felt lead of God to write .
Rev. Douglas Solomon
Missionary on the island of Mauritius
Church of the Nazarene
September 14, 2017
My deepest sympathy to Brian’s family. I knew Brian through my son, Anthony Marbella. I thought of Brian as a very talented man with the most gentlest heart and soul. He was kind and caring. May he now Rest In Peace forever.
September 14, 2017
Dear Sarah: I just now saw this posting on Facebook. Words cannot express how shocked and saddened Dawn and I are to hear this news. Please accept our very sincere and heartfelt condolences to you, your husband, and your entire family. Our hearts and prayers go out to you my friend. -Phil and Dawn Fowlie
September 13, 2017
The light in your eyes will burn in my soul for eternity. May your smile light up the heavens. Peace be with you my first love. Stephanie Brooke
