Walter G. "Jerry" Lohrer

Walter G. “Jerry” Lohrer, age 89, passed away October 1, 2024 at his Erie residence.

He was born in Fairview, on March 23, 1935, the son of the late Walter W. and Virginia Straub Lohrer.

Jerry grew up along the shore of Lake Erie at Walnut Creek Access in Fairview, where his parents and grandparents owned property and homes beside each other. While growing up, he helped his father with commercial fishing. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved racing cars, boats, and motorcycles. In his younger years, he was a very talented Hydro-plane speed boat racer, winning many National Awards and trophies. He was also an accomplished competitive motorcycle rider. He rode his motorcycle well into his early 80’s. 

He graduated from Fairview High School in 1953. He married Geraldine E. Brown on August 18, 1954. They settled in Erie where he began his lifelong career as a mechanic. After working at several garages, he was hired at Erie Penelec. Later on, he transferred to Meadville Penelec to take the building and garage supervisor position. He settled in Saegertown, August of 1972. After 13 years there, he returned back to Erie Penelec to accept the same position there in December of 1985. He retired after a total of 31 years. He was a very knowledgeable and respected mechanic. After retiring he never quite put away his toolbox, as you could find him fixing cars and lawn mowers and just about anything with a motor for family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Geraldine “Betsy” E. Lohrer, just 10 weeks prior on July 18, 2024. They were just one month shy of their 70th anniversary. Also preceding is a brother, George C. Lohrer, in 2012, a niece. Donna (Lohrer) Platz, in 2014, and his youngest son, Craig S. Lohrer, November 5th of 2020.

Jerry is survived by his son, Kenneth G. (Vince) Lohrer of Conneaut Lake, PA; a daughter Kathleen (Norbert) Adam of Cambridge Springs; and a son, Christopher G. Lohrer of Saegertown. He shared an exceptionally close bond with his granddaughter, Cami (Adam) (Vinnie) Gorski, his grandson Jules Adam (fiancé Laura), who he referred to as “his granddaughter”, of Linesville, PA. He is further survived by his son Craig’s children, Michael Lohrer and Kristine Babcock (Ben), two nephews, George Lohrer (Michelle) of Fairview, and Sam Lohrer (Lori), of Ohio; he was known as Grampie to his two great granddaughters, Indi and Laielle Gorski.

Services were held privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements entrusted to the Burton Quinn-Scott Funeral Home, West Ridge, 3801 West 26th St.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital Erie, 1645 W. 8th St. Erie, PA, 16505 or to the charity of one’s choice.