Jerome K. Lachmann

Jerome “Jerry” Lachmann passed away on December 29, 2024, at the age of 54. Jerry was born on March 3, 1970, to Wendel and Margaret (nee Koehler) Lachmann in Cincinnati, Ohio. 

In his youth, Jerry was a talented soccer player and continued to play through high school at Roger Bacon. Jerry was also a daredevil, building ramps to jump his bike and skateboard. By the age of three, he was already drawn to car racing.

In 1993, Jerry met his wife, Nicki, while they were both riding home from work on a Cincinnati Metro bus. The two quickly hit it off, discovering shared interests, one of which was racing. They both worked on the DORAN American Speed Association Race Team pit crew, Jerry as the “gas man” and Nicki as the “catch can” person.

Jerry and Nicki married on September 11, 1999, and settled in Colerain, Ohio. Once they started their family, Nicki retired from the pit crew, but Jerry continued his involvement and pursued his dream of becoming a race car driver. He fulfilled this dream by participating in timed racing at Scarlet Oaks and track racing at Kil-Kare Speedway.

Professionally, Jerry was a hardworking and exceptional mechanic. He held multiple Service Manager positions, most notably at Big O Tire, where he earned membership in the “Million Dollar Club.” While involved in sales, Jerry always prioritized honesty and his customers’ best interests, which helped him build a large and loyal client base. Jerry’s reputation allowed him to open his own garage. In 2017, Jerry decided to focus entirely on building his business, Specify Auto, where he helped clients find used cars based on their specific requirements. Once found, he would then upgrade the client’s car and ensure that it was mechanically sound before handing it over to them. 

In his free time, Jerry enjoyed family vacations with Nicki and their children (especially those that involved beaches and water), as well as dinners with his dad, and annual sibling outings. Most recently, he cherished a European cruise along the Danube River with his dad and sisters. During football season, you could always find Jerry glued to the TV watching his beloved Bengals.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Nicki (nee Bradbury); his children, Lillian, Julianna, Sarah, and Ezra; his father, Wendel “Jim” Lachmann; his sisters, Sherri (Jim) Noonan, Shelli (Mark) Bitter, Susan (Rich) Bethart, Kim (nee Lachmann) Sebastian, and Tara (Mike) Oldfield; 18 nieces and nephews; 8 great-nieces and nephews; his beloved cat Shadow; and many loving friends and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret “Peggy” (nee Koehler) Lachmann, and his brother, James “Jimmy” Lachmann.

Jerry was an exceptional person who will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

Memorial visitation will be held at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Avenue, College Hill, 45224, on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 9:30 AM until the memorial service at 11 AM. A prayer service will follow at noon in the chapel at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, his final resting place, 11000 Montgomery Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45249.

Condolences at hodappfuenralhome.com