DR. ALBERT T. LAHMAYER

DR. ALBERT T. LAHMAYER

     Dr. Albert T. Lahmayer, 98, of Black River Falls, passed away on June 9, 2025.

     He was born May 10, 1927, in Milwaukee, WI. After graduating from Pulaski High School in February 1945, he immediately entered the U.S. Army, where he served as a military investigator — two years on active duty and two years in the reserves.

     While in the Army, Al met Jeanette, and they were married in 1950. With help from the GI Bill, Al completed his training at the Illinois College of Optometry in Chicago. In 1951, he began his career at the Krohn Clinic in Black River Falls after being hired by Dr. Robert Krohn. At that time, the clinic and hospital were combined and located at the site of what is now Black River Country Bank.

     In 1961, Al purchased the vision care portion of the practice and established his first independent office at the corner of 2nd and Main streets. As the practice grew, he later built a new clinic adjacent to the hospital on Jefferson Street and took on associates for that location.

     Al and Jeanette raised three children, Bruce (Barb) Lahmayer, Mark Lahmayer, and Ruth (Jeremy) Lahmayer-Chipps. They were devoted grandparents to Joel Lahmayer and Emily Lahmayer and celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary before Jeanette’s passing in December 2022.

     Throughout their lives, Al and Jeanette were active in community and charitable efforts. Their generosity supported Lunda Park, The Black River Area Foundation, Black River Memorial Hospital and the Disability Association of Jackson County. They helped establish the Education Enrichment Fund, which assists local teachers with obtaining classroom materials. They paid for new uniforms for the entire Black River Falls High School marching band. They built and donated a group home for disabled adults. They also purchased and donated the land on which the new Interfaith Caregivers building is located. 

     Al was the last surviving founding member of the Skyline Golf Club. He was active politically and civically, running once for the Wisconsin Assembly and contributing through memberships in the Lion’s Club and Rotary. He also served as president of the Wisconsin Optometric Association during a pivotal time in the profession’s evolution, helping shape its expanded role in healthcare. One more local contribution was his role in the conception and the building of Spaulding Place.

     Many who met Al would later say he was the smartest person they had ever known. He was inducted into Mensa — not through application, but by recognition of his extraordinary intellect.

     From humble beginnings, Al built a life rich in purpose, love and service. He started with little and gave so much. His was a life well lived – and we are all better for it.

     A celebration of life for Al and Jeanette will be announced at a later date.