Chester "Chet" C. Lahr, Jr.

Chester “Chet” C. Lahr, Jr., age 73 of Schoolcraft, left us of natural but unexpected causes on November 3, 2023. He was born on August 10, 1950, in Huntington, Indiana. Chet graduated from Portage Northern High School in 1968. On July 15, 1972, a beautiful summer day, he married Rita E. Kosowicz. His daughter Rachel was born adding joy and light to their lives in 1978.

Chet’s work ethic began young and early. He worked at Miles Marathon Gas Station during high school. He joined General Motors and also started his own part time business, Lahr’s Lawncare and Landscape, where he spent countless days in the bright sun, autumn sunshine and falling snow, enjoying the beautiful outdoors. Chet was known for his incredible attention to detail, meticulous work and most of all his kindness.  He retired in management from General Motors after 4 decades of service where he inspired many with his outstanding leadership.

Chet worked hard and played hard. His love of toys and sports was ever present. He enjoyed motorhomes, snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, sport and antique cars. NASCAR, basketball, drag racing and hockey were favorites. Travel and adventures with his family and friends included Harleys in the Black Hills, skiing in Vail, boating, snowmobiling in the crisp winter air, Florida, car shows and countless more.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother-in-law, Siegfried F. and Elisabeth A. Kosowicz and his father Chester C. Lahr, Sr. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 51 years Rita E. Lahr, his loving loyal daughter Rachel E. Lahr, his sweet dog Lucy, sister Linda (Tom) Johnson and many close friends. Family and friends were his joy. He will be missed beyond measure, but his steady presence and love remains.

Friends may visit with the family from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Westside Location 3926 S. 9th Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49009. A funeral service will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 2:00 PM with an hour to greet the family prior to the service. Interment will follow at Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to a charity of your choice. Please visit Chet's personalized web page to sign the online guest book or leave a message for the family at www.langelands.com