Chad Laehn

Chad Laehn, my dear son, who is 50 years old, died on Tuesday, December 31, 2024 after a life-long battle with alcoholism.

I want you to know my son. Chad is a smart, trivia-minded, hard-working jokester, who gives big hugs. He loved feeding birds with his five birdfeeders. Through the years, Chad was an excellent bowler, who traveled around the state, and celebrated “cranking out” a 290 game several years ago. Chad worked at Triangle Manufacturing in high school, and he worked summers at EAA for 20 years (since age 15).

It was fun to see Chad enjoy heavy metal music from Eddie Van Halen or Zakk Wylde. He was thankful he could still play the guitar after severing several fingers in a sawing accident before his freshman year of college. He had a remarkable guitar collection.

Attending Oshkosh West High Schol was a source of pride as he made a dramatic movie with his friends (you know who you are!). After graduating in 1992 he headed off to Carthage in Kenosha, WI with a music/tuba scholarship and a valued experience playing hockey. In 1996, Chad graduated from Carthage with a major in geography and a minor in computer science, in four years.

Then he worked at Plexus as their web master, and he also worked at Zaug’s Food Service and several other manufacturing facilities. Most recently he worked for Waldan Papers. He loved working with the huge machines.

Chad is survived by his mother Diana “Dixie” Laehn; aunts, Sandy Laehn, Joanna Parisi; cousins, Randy Peterson, Kevin Jahnke, Jeff Jahnke, Tim Jahnke, Lauria Van Astin, Brian Laehn and Todd Laehn. He is also survived by many friends. He has missed his dogs, Snuffles and Luke.

It was exciting for Chad to travel to many states, Disney World, “Out West”, as well as cottages, church camp in Northern Wisconsin, and to the “Bowling Hall of Fame” in St. Louis. Chad, you are dearly loved. Rest well, you are finally good enough! Love, Mom.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service for Chad will be held at First Congregational Church, 137 Algoma Blvd. Oshkosh, WI 54901, on Saturday January 11, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception of cake and beverages to follow immediately after the service. Please feel free to wear shorts in Chad’s honor if you are comfortable.

Sincere thanks to Jeff Umansky for doing all you did to help Chad at the end of his life.