Richard "Rich" Lahr

Richard Edward Lahr, 48, Bismarck, passed away peacefully with his wife and some of his best friends by his side at the Methodist Hospital on Friday, October 7, 2016, in Rochester, MN, after a four month battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 pm on Monday, October 17, at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St., Bismarck, with Monsignor Tom Richter Officiating. Burial will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan. Visitation will be held from 5:00 –9:00 pm Sunday, October 16, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a prayer service and time of sharing beginning at 7:00 pm. Richard Edward Lahr was born July 9, 1968, in Bismarck to Gary and Patricia Lahr. Rich graduated from Century High School in 1986 and attended NDSU. Richard joined the Lips & Lahr Insurance on January 3, 1992. He was the 4th generation Lahr in the insurance business in Bismarck. Following the business through several transitions he was able to purchase and rename it to the Lahr Insurance Agency. His dynamic and outgoing personality helped him in the success of his business! He was united in marriage to Bonnie Glatt on November 30, 1996; they were blessed with son Peyton Edward and daughter Hailey Jo. His love for his family was very evident every day; there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for them. Rich wanted his kids to have all the best life could offer and has left behind many special memories. Bonnie made the family rules; Rich liked to bend the rules, as the Dad, it was all about having FUN! Rich also had a very special relationship with his only sister Heather. He was always there to help her out of trouble but sometimes he was the one getting her into trouble. Rich lived life to its fullest! Rich had two rules that he lived by “Go Big or Go Home” and “It’s Easier to Beg for Forgiveness than ask for Permission”. If you knew Rich, you knew you were in for fun times. He was adventurous, active, full of life, and willing to try anything. He loved hunting, water skiing, fishing, riding motorcycle and flying. He loved spending time at the lake with family and friends. Close loyal friendships were maintained over the years with a sprinkling of mischief and trouble making! His “Kind” heart and big smile were the bright spots in so many of his friend’s lives! He was truly one of a kind. There were many special friends in Rich’s life, some that he has had since grade school and others he met later in life. If you were a friend, you were a friend for life and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for you (except moving, he hated that and said it should be hired). Rich is survived by his loving wife of nearly 20 years, Bonnie; 15 year old son Peyton; 10 year old daughter Hailey; his parents, Gary and Pat Lahr; his sister, Heather Sondergaard (Derek) and his nephews Tyler and Dylan Sondergaard, Denver; his aunts and uncles, Albin(Clara) Schlenker, Kathy (Bill) Ellig, and Don Venn; his great-uncle, Ronald (Bernette) Rempfer; cousins, Cindy (Luke) Kanies, Pam Shook, Mark (Rhonda) Schlenker, Cheryl (Joe) Bardell; Lori (Mike) Geffre, Lisa(Tim) Poppenhagen, Sonja Schlenker and families. He is also survived by Bonnie’s parents, John and Theresa Glatt; Bonnie's sister, Connie (Duane) Fleckenstein; Bonnie’s brothers, Ronny (Diane) Glatt and Johnny (Kathy); Bonnie’s nieces and nephews, Sarah (Brad) Davison, Brad (Jacinta) Fleckenstein, Stephanie Glatt, Steven Glatt, Kaitlynn Glatt, Ronnee Glatt, Edynn Glatt and Cullen Glatt and six great-nieces. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Edward and Lillian Lahr, Theodore and Anna Schlenker; and his aunt, June Venn. Memorials may be directed to the Lillian and Edward Lahr Nursing scholarship at Sanford Health, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or the donor’s choice. A very special thank you to Jordy at the Methodist ICU for the great care Rich received. And a very special thank you to all his buddies who came to Rochester to help him fight the battle! It was so amazing to witness this strong bond between these friendships! Thanks to Cousin Lynn and best friend Amy for supporting Bonnie, and to sister Connie for taking care of Richards children.