Obituary of Wilbur W. H. Lahann

Wilbur W.H. Lahann of Bayville, NJ passed away peacefully at his home on 5/31/21 with his beloved children by his side. Willie was born to Alvin and Alma Lahann on 8/26/1933 in Hartley, Iowa and was raised in Middleton WI. He graduated from Middleton High School in 1952. He served in the US Navy, from 1952 to 1956, mainly at the Lakehurst, NJ Naval base assigned to the Blimp division. He met the love of his life, Margaret Soerensen in Seaside Heights, they married 04/21/1956 at the First Presbyterian Church of Toms River on Washington Street. Together, Margie and Willie owned and managed the Bayville Supermarket & Butcher Store from 1959 to 1974, the Berkeley Crown and Liquors, Bayville from 1964 to 1980, and the American Medi Hospital supply shop, Toms River from 1975 to 1980. Through the 1970s, 80s and 90s, Wilbur was actively involved with the Berkeley Township community serving on the Planning Board, Township Committee, and the Water Supply Company. He was a member of the Mason’s Mystic Shrine and the First Presbyterian Church of Toms River. Wilbur loved our local Toms River and Barnegat Bay. It was common to see him cruising on his boat, or riding in his Ford truck with his loyal dog by his side. Willie was well traveled; he explored the US with Margie either camping in a RV or aboard one of his many boats. His retired hobbies included designing and building homes in Ocean County, tinkering in his garage, gardening on his property and dining at neighborhood watering holes like the Anchor Inn or Shady Rest. To his grandchildren, Willie was beloved Opa; he had all the fun “toys” and was quick to suggest a trip for ice cream. His grandchildren have wonderful memories of fluffy waffles for breakfast, swimming in his pool, riding in his convertible car to Seaside for arcade fun, or just sitting on a bench by the water. Wilbur is predeceased by his wife and business partner, Margaret Lahann and brother-in-law, Herbert R. Soerensen. He is survived by his treasured children, their spouses and children. Paul T.A. Lahann and wife Julie of Gainesville, VA with their children William Lahann and Andrew Lahann. Clifford W. Lahann and wife Paula of Philadelphia, PA with their children Lauren & Ryan MacWilliams, Luke Lahann, Erin Lahann and Brianna Lahann. Linda Lahann Ronan and husband David with children Katharine & Michael Masucci, Dana & Caleb McClay and Melissa Ronan. He was blessed with three great grandsons, Fox Michael Masucci, Leo Elliot Young & Eli Jameson Young. Known as Sonny to his older sisters, he is survived by sisters Arlene Offerdahl Walter, Advance, NC and Alvina Showers and nephew Scott Showers, Verona, WI. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Wilbur Lahann to “Save Barnegat Bay” https://www.savebarnegatbay.org/donate/tribute-memorial-gifts/