Jarald Jerry "Lurch" Wayne Niehoff

Jarald Jerry “Lurch” Wayne Niehoff, 80 years young, entered eternal life surrounded by his loving family on June 6, 2026, in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Lurch was born on September 6, 1945, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Maxine Laverne and Robert Theodore Niehoff.

After spending many years together, Lurch married the love of his life, Tanya Lynn Slone, on September 30, 2006. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion, raising two beautiful daughters in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Family was at the center of everything Lurch did, and he cherished every moment spent with those he loved most.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Lurch devoted eight years of his life to serving his country. Drafted during the 1960s, he completed four years of honorable service before reenlisting for another four years. He spent much of his military career in Vietnam, faithfully serving and defending the freedoms of his fellow Americans. During his service, he earned the Bronze Star along with numerous other medals and honors, reflecting his courage, dedication, and sacrifice.

Following his military service, Lurch began a long and successful career at White Sands Missile Range as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. Later, he pursued his dream of business ownership and opened Lurch's Automotive. Since 1988, he worked side by side with his beloved "Lil Tanya," building not only a successful business but also a lasting legacy of hard work, service, and dedication to the community. Together, they helped countless people who walked through their doors, always willing to lend a hand to anyone facing automotive troubles. Through their kindness, expertise, and unwavering commitment to others, they earned the respect and gratitude of friends, customers, and neighbors alike.

Lurch truly lived life in the fast lane. He loved taking care of his family, racing his beloved Plum Nuts ’Cuda, enjoying an ice-cold Miller Lite, and raising a little hell along the way. His personal motto was, “Leave it better than you found it,” and he lived by those words every day.

The best of the best, Lurch was truly one of a kind. No words can fully capture the man he was—a true legend whose memory and legacy will live on through his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him.

Lurch is survived by his loving wife, Tanya Lynn of Las Cruces, New Mexico; his beloved daughters, Jerrica Lynn, affectionately known as his “fun time from 37 years ago,” and Kelsie Rae “Lurch Jr.” (Genesis Niehoff), both of Las Cruces.

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Ezikiel I. Barraza of Tucson, Arizona, and Ezrahel I. Niehoff and Kailynn A. Hudson of Las Cruces, New Mexico; as well as his great-grandchildren, Koavonni and Naomi Barraza.

Lurch leaves behind his loyal grand pups, Whiskey and Diesel; his best friends, Buddy and Tucker; his beloved “nightmares,” as he lovingly called them—Texas, Pandora, and Hope; and his goats, Duke and Billy.

He is further survived by his brothers, Dennis and Randy Niehoff; numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law; nieces and nephews; extended family members; and many dear friends who loved him deeply and will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Maxine Laverne Niehoff; his father, Robert Theodore Niehoff; and his eldest brother, Bobby Lee Niehoff.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the family home and shop, 6853 Gopher Road, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88012. Guests are encouraged to wear purple in honor of Lurch’s beloved car.

The ceremony will be officiated by Zach Betchold.