Gary Edward Lahr

A prominent local businessman and life-long Bismarck native, Gary Edward Lahr, passed away Friday, December 7, 2018, at the age of 76. Gary was always on the top of his game in his career, his love of golf and his devotion to his family.  When he was hit with cancer, he fought an even greater fight, everyday ready for the next battle.Gary Edward Lahr was born May 31, 1942, in Bismarck to the late Edward Valentine and Lillian Katherine Weber Lahr Jr. Gary married the love of his life Patricia Ann Schlenker, on June 11, 1964. They were blessed with a son, Richard Edward Lahr and a daughter, Heather Ann Lahr. He always commented: “I am the luckiest father in the world: we had 2 fantastic kids and consequently 2 fantastic families!” Gary graduated from Bismarck High School in 1960. He attended the University of North Dakota, Bismarck State College, and graduated in 1965 with honors from the University of Denver. In March 1965, after graduation, Gary and Pat returned to Bismarck, and he joined his father at their insurance firm, Lahr & Lahr Insurance and Real Estate which was founded by his grandfather and great uncle. In 1973, Gary was named president and CEO of Lahr & Lahr and in 1998 merged with Lips Insurance to form Lips & Lahr of Bismarck, continuing to serve as president and CEO. His son, Richard, joined the family firm in 1992 and they had the joy of working together until his retirement in 2000. His career was distinguished by many leadership roles and awards, notably receiving the prestigious “The Charles Dawson Bell Ringer Award” in recognition of his service to the insurance industry, serving as the President of the North Dakota Independent Insurance Agents Association, National Director of the North Dakota Independent Insurance Agents for over 10 years, serving on the Advisory Boards of the National St. Paul Insurance Company and USF&G. In May 1990, he was featured and selected as the top leader in the National Insurance Agents’ magazine “Rough Notes”. After he retired in 2000, he was privileged and forever treasured the time he had in taking care of his first born grandson for nearly a year! Then a wonderful granddaughter, his princess, and two more extraordinary grandsons arrived. His four grandchildren totally and completely stole his heart! He loved being “Papooh” to Peyton, Hailey, Tyler and Dylan. His four grandchildren meant the world to him and spending time with them meant more than anything! He also began his second career, golfing. “A gentleman’s game, no greater fellowship, a certain bond forms between players that is unlike any other in life!” He served on the North Dakota Golf Association Board, and was assistant Executive Director. He was the team leader and coordinator for the North Dakota Golf Association Course Rating Team. He loved rating golf courses. He worked at the Tom O’Leary golf course for 16 years, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golfers. He developed and co-coordinated the Player’s Assistant Ranger Program for the Bismarck Parks & Recreation Department. Gary considered serving his community to be an honor and a privilege. He joined the National Guard 191st Military Police Company when he returned to Bismarck in 1965, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant and serving until November 1971. He was a Mason and a Past Master of Lodge #5. He also served on many boards and committees and volunteered widely, including Easter Seals, Meals on Wheels, the Bismarck Industries Committee, Bismarck-Mandan Chamber of Commerce, and the Capital City Kiwanis Club. He served on the Finance Committee of the First Presbyterian Church of Bismarck for 23 years.   Gary loved the outdoors. He grew up water skiing, camping, fishing, hunting, and spent much time at Leech Lake and Lake Sally with family and friends. There were many family trips in the USA and skiing trips to his condo at Big Sky. Two trips were especially memorable, Richard, age14, driving the family to the East Coast and later Heather, age 15, driving the family to the West Coast. The Colorado outfitter elk hunt with Richard was a highlight. He cherished the special father-daughter times with Heather. Each time she came to visit, he would say it was the best medicine ever. His retired life revolved around golf and grandchildren, with his summers in Bismarck and winters in sunny California away from the cold weather. His family is grateful to have shared in his life. He brought love and happiness into all our lives. We rejoice in this extraordinary man and we feel grateful and blessed to have been loved by such an amazing human being. “A life well lived”. He will be deeply missed but will be in our hearts forever.Gary is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Patricia; his precious and awesome daughter Heather and the best son-in-law anyone could ever ask for Derek Sondergaard; his wonderful daughter-in-law Bonnie Glatt Lahr (his son fell in love with the BEST) and his grandchildren who he was fortunate enough to be able to center his life around, Peyton Edward Lahr, Hailey Jo Lahr, Tyler Edward Sondergaard, Dylan Christian Sondergaard; his sister, Kathy (Bill) Ellig; his brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law: Albin (Clara) Schlenker; Don (Margaret) Venn; his uncle and aunt, Ron and Bernette Rempfer; his cousins Pat (Ron) Johnson; Betty (Steve) Alexander; Suzanne (Ron) Bethel; Zoma (Dick) Edstrom; Nila (Dennis) Laymon; Linda (George) Myers; Karen (Rich) Rasmusson; Brian (Julie) Rempfer; Jeff (Barb) Rempfer; Mary Rempfer; Mary Ann (Bill) Wersch; Betty Jay; his sister’s daughter; Cindy (Luke) Kanies and great nieces Lillian and Vivian Kanies; Pat’s brother’s family; Pam Shook and great niece Vanessa Schook and great nephew Zachary Shook; Mark (Rhonda) Schlenker and great niece Brittany (Tanner) Zimmerman, and great nephew Ryan Schlenker; Cheryl (Joe) Bardell; Lori (Mike) Geffre and great niece Amanda (Zachary) Roelofs and great nephews, Isaak and Simon Geffre; Lisa (Tim) Poppenhagen and great niece Jenna (Andy) Taber and great nephew Evan Poppenhagen; and Sonja Schlenker.He was preceded in death by his parents Edward and Lillian Weber Lahr Jr., his wife’s parents, Theodore and Anna Elhard Schlenker, his sister-in-law, June Schlenker Venn, and on October 7, 2016, he was beyond heart broken in the loss of his son Richard Edward Lahr.Gary was gentle in his manner, generous in spirit and had a very dry sense of humor. This kind man will always be remembered for his loving devotion to his family, friends and the golf community. Honorary pallbearers are all his golfing buddies, because of you his golf days were better! He touched all who met him, and will be greatly missed (especially his yearly gift of caramels). He will endure in our hearts forever.The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to all the Sanford Health medical staff and to Dr. Michael LaBeau, his team and the Sanford Dialysis Center’s amazing staff. Their smiles, friendliness and the care they give each and every patient day in and day out is beyond incredible. Special thanks to his nieces and nephews for sending the many loving and caring notes. He was grateful for the many, many prayers given to our family!Memorials may be directed to: the Lahr Nursing Scholarship in memory of Lillian Weber, Edward and Richard Lahr at Sanford Health Foundation, 701 East Rosser Avenue, Bismarck, ND 58501, or to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, 1825 46th Street, Mandan, ND 58554 or the donor’s choice. Burial will be in the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.