Jerome ‘Jerry’ Lahr, 88
Sept. 18, 1935-Feb. 23, 2024
St. Joseph
Jerry Lahr, 88, of St. Joseph died Feb. 23 at home on Big Watab Lake.
His funeral was held Feb. 29 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Cold Spring. The Rev. Cletus Connors, O.S.B., officiated with burial following in the parish cemetery.
Born to Edwin & Clare (Pfannenstein) Lahr on Sept. 18, 1935 in St. Cloud, Lahr graduated from Cathedral High School in St. Cloud in 1953. He married Kathleen Rarick on Nov. 15, 1958; she died Oct. 26, 1976. On July 18, 1987, Lahr married Bev Timmers and they took up residence on Big Watab Lake. Lahr worked for Burlington Northern Railroad for 38 years, spending the last years of employment driving to and from Omaha weekly.
Lahr’s love of sports, playing amateur baseball for 29 years, young people and his faith was evidenced by coaching baseball and basketball in the Parochial Athletic Association for 40 years. He was inducted into the Cathedral High School Hall of Fame in 1997 and later honored with the Golden Crusader Award. Lahr received the Bishop’s Medal of Merit for volunteerism in the St. Cloud Diocese in 1986, a testament to his service as a church and community volunteer all of his life.
Generous with his time and talent Lahr’s bird houses, adorned with Bev’s ribbons, were certain to sell at charity auctions, now gracing the countryside throughout Central Minnesota. Sure to attend football games at St. John’s University, often with his brother Gene, Lahr rarely missed a Twins game on TV. He was kind and often quiet lending support to what he believed in. When he spoke, it was well worth listening to as it often came from the heart or following sincere reflection. Loved by family and friends Lahr leaves all with fond memories and a smile recalling his dry wit. To say he will be missed is an understatement. To say he will be remembered is a certainty.
Survivors include the following: his wife Bev of St. Joseph; children: Kevin, Tom (Lisa), Theresa (Craig) Penson, Sandy (Kerry) Rosengrants; grandchildren: Jessica and Tayler Lahr, Ryan, Shea and Brenden Lahr, Grayling and Payton Penson, Scott, Joe and Tony Rosengrants; great-granddaughters Raelyn and Florence; brother and sister, Gene (Barb) Lahr and Annella Rassmussen.
He is preceded in death by his parents; first wife Kathleen; brothers, Milton, Dan, Marvin and Vern; and sister Irma Grelson.
Lahr’s family expresses deep gratitude to those who aided in his care as he struggled with Parkinsons, including all of the wonderful people at Comfort Keepers, Centra Care Hospice, Sue, Bob, Jake, Zach, Stacey, Deb and so many others too numerous to name. Thank you.
