2026 Bernard C. Radde Distinguished Service Award: Bob Burch

If there were a Mt. Rushmore honoring local bankers in Southwest Michigan, Bob Burch would be on it. For over four decades, Burch has consistently leveraged his leadership and extensive community relationships to strengthen local businesses, lead major community projects, and make Southwest Michigan a better place to live.

As Community President of Sturgis Bank, Burch has also left a legacy at Lake Michigan College since joining the LMC Foundation in 2013. “Lake Michigan College is an important asset to our community. Our region needs LMC to develop talent and build a skilled workforce,” Burch stated.

“Look at what LMC did when the Sheriff and local police departments had a need for training – they stepped up, built a Police Academy from the ground up, and we now have 45 officers protecting and serving our communities because of the great work at Lake Michigan College,” Burch explained.

Burch is also someone who rolls up his sleeves and does the hard work. He chaired three successful LMC millage campaigns, cultivated well over $100,000 in philanthropic support for the College, and sponsored major LMC events.

The Burch family has been part of that commitment as well. Bob’s wife, Stephanie, co-chaired the Student Benefit Auction, and Bob’s stepdaughter, Eleah Hedstrom, was a two-sport standout and LMC graduate.

“I am humbled to receive this award and want to thank my team at Sturgis Bank as we work together to help our community grow and prosper,” said Burch.