Leland Allen "Lee" Lahr

Leland (Lee) Allen Lahr, born on January 3 rd , 1930, passed away peacefully at the age of 95, on July 28, 2025, surrounded by his family at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Collierville, Tennessee.

Lee was born in Lafayette, Indiana to Robert D. Lahr and Helen (Griest) Lahr. He was the third of four children, the oldest, Robert D. Lahr, Jr., an older sister Elizabeth Neal, and a younger
sister Eleanor Staszheim. All preceded Lee in death, except for Eleanor, who lives in Iowa.

During his 95 years, Lee lived a life full of love and service. He was a man of impressive talents and education, undeniable charm and humor, with a great love for his family, friends and cohorts. Lee will be remembered for many things but first and foremost, he was a devoted family man and cherished friend. A family of modest means, the Lahr household was one of strong character and values including determination, respect and love of family. With the guidance of his parents and the influence of his maternal grandfather, a Methodist minister, Lee became enamored of education and language at an early age. His "Gwinpa" saw in Lee a brilliant mind and encouraged him throughout his schooling; Lee excelled from the start.

At a young age, Lee grew into the deep, rich voice which distinguished him throughout his life. By high school, he was singing at various venues, including churches, weddings, and bar mitzvahs, along with performing duties as the Master of Ceremonies at school shows and talent contests. It was in high school that Lee was fortunate to have a teacher take a particular interest in his future. Ms. Arley Norman, a teacher at Lafayette's Jefferson High School, opened Lee's eyes to the possibility of a life that included a college education. With her support, both academically and financially, Lee applied for and won an academic scholarship to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana; at the time, considered the "Harvard of the Midwest."

At DePauw, Lee pledged to the Delta Chi fraternity and became a gold key member, making many lifelong friendships along the way. He continued singing in different venues and excelled as a member of the debate team. Lee graduated in 1952 with a degree in journalism and soon after, moved to the Indianapolis area to start his career with the Indianapolis Star newspaper. It wasn't long afterward that he would make the momentous decision to accept a position in the Public Relations department with the pharmaceutical firm, Eli Lilly and Company. His life would be forever changed when he met Wanda Jewelene (Julie) Martin, who was the secretary to the VP of Human Resources. Soon Lee was making every possible excuse to visit the HR Department. Julie was lovely, vivacious, and mesmerized all with her graceful dancing. There is no denying true love – Lee and Julie were married on May 27, 1956. For 49 years, they shared a life caring for their three children, developing an ever-growing circle of rich friendships, and enjoying travel while collecting memories.

Still in the Indianapolis area, Lee took a position in sales with the Stewart-Carey Glass Company. He advanced in the company, while attaining his Master of Business Administration degree at
Indiana University (IU). It was during his time at IU that Lee developed contacts within the community of higher education and was influenced to focus his many talents towards professorship.

In 1964, shortly after receiving his MBA, Lee moved his young family to Farmington, Michigan. He had accepted a position with Lawrence Institute of Technology (LIT) in Southfield, Michigan
as an instructor in the newly formed School of Business and Industrial Management (later the School of Management). Lee taught a variety of classes including Management, Marketing, Finance, and his passion, Entrepreneurial Management, but when asked what he taught at LIT, he would respond, "Students." He took the position as Dean of the College of Management in 1970 and for nine years lead the college, growing its size and status within the educational community. He stepped down in 1979 to successfully complete his Doctorate in Higher Education at Michigan State University. In 1995, after 31 years at what had been renamed Lawrence Technological University (LTU), he retired as the first Professor Emeritus for the School of Management. Even after his official retirement, Lee continued to teach at LTU as well as extension classes at other universities. He was inducted into the inaugural class of the LTU College of Management Hall of Fame in 2014. In 2015, to honor his contributions to their education and business success, former students established the Leland A. Lahr Scholarship for students in the School of Management.

Lee was preceded in death by his eldest son, Martin Allen Lahr who passed in late 2000. His beloved wife of 49 years, Julie, also preceded his death when she passed in 2005. Teaching and
traveling kept Lee occupied after this loss until 2007 when he attended a DePauw class reunion.It was there that he became reacquainted with former DePauw classmate, Nancy Cox. They
shared a history of memories from their undergraduate days and knew many of the same people. A deeper relationship emerged and the two were married on July 20, 2008. The couple
relocated to Nancy's home in the warmth of Safety Harbor, Florida where they visited with old friends and made many new ones. In 2011, Lee authored and published his book, "Minding
Your Own Business-Prepare to Run One." In 2024, Lee and Nancy moved to Collierville, Tennessee to be closer to both of their families.

Lee is survived by his wife of 17 years, Nancy C. Lahr, his son Gregory Lee Lahr (Marcy), his daughter, Sheri Lynne Renas (Edward), stepsons Jeffrey Fontaine (Susan) and Gregory Fontaine (Susan), four grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition, Lee is survived by many loving nieces and nephews and their families, along with quitea number of "adopted daughters and sons," - you know who you are!

In a lifetime of service that included 35 plus years of teaching, shaping, and mentoring students, and tutoring after retirement, Leland Lahr, in one way or another, lifted up, guided, challenged
and inspired a vast number of souls. His wit, wisdom, jovial smile, robust laugh, endless good spirit and sense of humor will be celebrated and missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 27th , 2025, at Thayer Rock Funeral Home in Farmington, Michigan. Immediate family will gather from 12:30 p.m. to 1:00; all others are invited to join at 1:00 with services to begin at 2:00. A luncheon will follow the Celebration with further information being provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Leland A. Lahr Scholarship by contacting Kevin Finn, LTU VP of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at 248-802-0122 or at the service, there will be LTU envelopes and a QR code available for donations. If preferred, you may donate to the National Breast Cancer Foundation online, at give.bcrf.org.