Gaylord Keith Lahr

Gaylord Keith Lahr, 82, of Westfield, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, following a sudden illness.

Gaylord, affectionately known as “Corky,” was born February 17, 1944, in Manilla, Iowa, to Henry Joseph and Lucille (Kisling) Lahr. He graduated from Manilla High School in 1962 and proudly served six years in the United States Navy. He served aboard the USS Constellation (CVA-64) with Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Six (RVAH-6), known as the “Fleurs,” during the 1966 Western Pacific deployment, attaining the rank of Aviation Storekeeper Third Class (AK3).

On June 21, 1968, Gaylord married Bonnetta Kay “Bonnie” Neal. They made their home in Westfield, where they spent their entire married life. Gaylord dedicated 38 years to the United States Postal Service.

Gaylord was a devoted family man with a generous heart and a willingness to help anyone who needed him. He was proud of his family, his country, and his home. He enjoyed fishing, traveling, gardening, and caring for his lawn. He was also known for his dad jokes and the laughter that followed - especially his own.

Gaylord is survived by his wife of 58 years, Bonnie Lahr; his children, Ryan Lahr and his wife, Viktorya, of Laurens, Iowa, and Rebecca (Lahr) Drimmel and her husband, Shawn, of Chicago, Illinois; and five grandchildren, Ethan Lahr, Hunter Lahr, Oliver Lahr, Nolan Lahr, and Bonnie Lahr.

He is also survived by his siblings, Kathy Meehan of Westside, Iowa; Diane Lahr of Pittsview, Alabama; and John Lahr of Norwalk, Iowa.

He was preceded in death by his son, Jeffrey Lee Lahr, who passed away on August 6, 2026; his parents, Henry Joseph and Lucille Lahr; his sister, Mary Lahr, who died in infancy; his brothers, Jerome Lahr and Lowell Lahr; and his sister, Gloria (Lahr) Hargens.

Gaylord will be remembered for his generosity, patriotism, sense of humor, and deep love for his family. He was a man who quietly took care of the people he loved and was always willing to lend a hand. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.