Richard L. "Rich" Klahr

Richard Lawrence "Rich" Klahr, age 52, of Granger, went to be with the Lord on Monday, February 3, 2025. Rich was born on August 5, 1972, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to David and Jeaneen (Lawrence) Klahr. He graduated from Memorial High School in 1991, excelling in tennis and golf, and later attended St. Petersburg College in Florida.

Feeling the Lord’s calling, Rich pursued ministry and enrolled at Rhema Bible Training College in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, earning his diploma in 1999. He faithfully served as an Associate Pastor at New Creation Fellowship Church in Granger, where he provided hospital and home visitation ministry, taught Bible classes at New Creation Fellowship Academy, and mentored the church's youth. With a passion for outreach, he also trained at the Way of the Master Bootcamp to share his faith through street ministry and lead others to Christ. After his time in ministry, Rich became a school bus driver for the Penn Harris Madison School Corporation. He quickly formed strong bonds with his students, often going above and beyond by bringing them treats like doughnuts and pizza to brighten their day.

Rich lived a life of adventure. In his younger years, he raced motocross, enjoyed skateboarding, and continued his love for golf throughout his life. He was courageous, fun-loving, and never met a stranger. A devoted New York Yankees fan, one of his favorite memories was a Father’s Day trip to Yankee Stadium, a special surprise from his daughters. Rich was also a longtime fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and served as an usher at the stadium for over 6 years. 

Above all, Rich cherished his daughters, Alexa and Aniyah. He loved coaching their T-ball and basketball teams and having weekly dinners to catch up on their lives. He also enjoyed cooking and grilling, especially during the family's annual Fourth of July outings at Lake Michigan.

Rich is survived by his parents, Pastor David and Jeaneen Klahr of Granger; his daughters, Alexa and Aniyah Klahr of Mishawaka; his former wife, Tricia Turnock; his siblings, Pastor Arnie (Mindy) Klahr and Corie (Andrew) VanArsdale of Elkhart; and his nephews, Tyler (Brittany) VanArsdale, Parker VanArsdale and Jackson (Ella) Klahr. He is also survived by his nieces, Mackenzie (Josh Welt) Klahr and Olivia (Cory) Chupp; his great-niece, Clara VanArsdale; and his great-nephews, Louie and Vinnie VanArsdale and Arnold Chupp.

Visitation will be held from 4-6 PM on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at New Creation Fellowship Church, 30190 Co Rd 10, Granger, IN 46530, with funeral services to follow at 6 PM. Rich will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Oakridge Cemetery in Goshen on Thursday, February 13, 2025. Cruz Family Funeral Home of Osceola has been entrusted with his care. We invite those unable to attend in person to join us for a livestream of the funeral service, so everyone can honor and remember Rich together by following this link: NCF Livestream

As we celebrate Rich’s life, the family kindly requests support in covering final expenses through our secure crowdfunding platform. If you would like to contribute, please follow the links on the donations tab below. Your generosity during this difficult time is deeply appreciated. To light a virtual candle, share a memory, or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit the Guestbook tab above.