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.

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