Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Ave) on Thursday, April 3, 2025, for a visitation from 9:30 – 11:30 am.
A service celebrating his life will take place at 11:30 am with Rev. George Kafer officiating.
His interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery with Military Honors.
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RACINE and BOULDER JUNCTION – Mr. Lon C. Laehr, 78, passed away at Aurora Hospital in Mount Pleasant on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
He was born in Racine on January 13, 1947, the son of the late Carl and Beverly (nee Lingsweiler) Laehr. He graduated from Phelps High School.
Lon married Joyce E. Orthey at Christ Church United Methodist on February 10, 1973.
Lon proudly served his country with the US Air Force during the Vietnam War. He worked as an instrumentation technician for SC Johnson and Johnson Diversey, retiring with over 30 years of service.
Lon was a longtime member of Christ Church United Methodist. He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and golfing in both Racine and their second home in Boulder Junction. He also loved to cook and cheer for our state’s local sports team, especially the Packers and Badgers. However, Lon was happiest in the company of his family.
In addition to his loving wife Joyce, he is survived by his children, Jill (Steve) Gebeck, Rebecca (Kevin) Kostos, and Marci (Daniel) Tenuta; his daughter-in-law, Erin Laehr; his grandchildren, Kassandra, Samantha (Ty), Kameron, Mehran (Kyle), Cesare, Roman, Josephine, Kayden, Tyson, and Madelyn; four great grandchildren; his sister, Melody Olson; his brother-in-law, Bob (Jody) Orthey; as well as nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, Lon was preceded in death by his son, Carl Laehr; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Josephine Orthey; his brother-in-law, Thomas Olson; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law Barb and Charles Valukas.
Family and friends are invited to meet at Christ Church United Methodist (5109 Washington Ave) on Thursday, April 3, 2025, for a visitation from 9:30 – 11:30 am. A service celebrating his life will take place at 11:30 am with Rev. George Kafer officiating. His interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery with Military Honors.
The Laehr family extends their deepest gratitude to the entire staff at Aurora Hospital and the cancer team at the clinic, and Aurora Hospice for the loving and professional attention Lon received while under their care.
Kristin (Kania) Drake says
Joyce and family, I’m so sorry for the sudden loss of such a wonderful man. I will always remember Lon’s kind smile and soft manner. Sending big hugs to all of you in this difficult time.
Jo and Barbara Lakatos, Leesburg, Florida says
Joyce, so sorry to hear about Lon. Our thoughts and prayers are being sent your way.
Rusty Stirle says
Joyce, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. My prayers are with you, and your entire family, as you go through this difficult time.
Joe and Barbara Lakatos, Leesburg, FL says
Joyce, so sorry to hear about Lon. . Please know we are sending all our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Charlie Meininger Bethpage, TN says
Joyce and family, so sorry to learn of Lon passing. We worked together at SCJ for many years. Lon was always a pleasure to be around and never hesitated to lend a helping hand. Truly a great guy! My sincere sympathy.
Jack Verwey says
I was able to work with Lon and golf against him many times over the years at the Wax. He was a great guy who would try to see the best in people. I feel sorry for the families loss. Rest in peace my friend.
Ron and Eileen Rahm says
Laehr Family
With sympathy and prayers. A wonderful man …gone to soon. He will always be watching and protecting.
Heartfelt love to Joyce and our wonderful friend Melody. RIP 🙏🙏
Jim Jenkins says
Joyce, I’m so sorry to hear about Lon’s passing. In about 1957 My family moved to Dean Blvd. and we left a neighborhood with lots of kids to play with to an area with more older people. Then I met Lon, who happened to be our cross-alley neighbor. We became immediate pals and I still have fond memories of the baseball games, Shock Theater nights, and just the hours of messing around that we did. I sure missed him when they moved up north. His family, too. They were so nice to me. This must be a terrible loss. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Larry & Tamara Weiten says
Joyce, so Very Sorry to hear of Lon’s passing. We’ll always remember that warm smile & kind manner He had. Our thoughts & Prayers go out to You and Your Family
Ken Houston says
So sad for your loss.
Cheryl Miller says
Joyce and family,
With loss comes memories. Share those with family and friends, and hopefully they’ll have their own memories to tell for all of you. I like to think of them as gifts. Many hugs as you gather to say good-bye to Lon. The photo you chose certainly shows off his love and happiness in life.
Carol & Bob Haider says
Lon’s passing is such a loss for Joyce & her family & anll of us! Our deepest sympathies, prayers & hugs to you all. 😢😩💔🙏Carol & Bob Haider
Bill & Patti Drumm says
Joyce and family we were so very sorry to hear of Lon’s passing. He was a great guy and will be dearly missed and remembered. Our love and prayers go out to you all.
Bill Drumm says
Dear Joyce, So sad that Lon has left us…there were many fishing trips and rounds of golf I enjoyed with him. So many things I learned from him about being a better person…he is still a ‘keeper’ and he will always be with us. Bill Drumm ‘Hummer’
Bill Hess says
Lon we never got that last Duck Hunt in but over 50 years we got our share of ducks. . We also had more than our share of fun after the hunt. I would never want to go without you Nud. Maybe when I get there.
Your friend Nuddly. Will miss you Bud
Shannon Coey says
I worked with Lon at Johnson Polymer. I don’t think I ever saw Lon without a smile on his face. A good man and a great human being. RIP!
Bill and Carol Haigh, Gilbert Az. says
Lon was one of the really good guys, He’ll be missed by many.
Pam Nees says
Joyce, so sorry to read of Lon’s passing. My heart goes out to you. I know what you’re going through. Take care and my best to you.