John Lauer

Dates

Obituary

John Francis Lauer, 91, of Mitchell, SD, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Minneapolis, MN, after an evening of heart-filled laughter, soul-wrenching tears, and never-heard-before stories. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 26, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Mitchell. Burial will be at the American Legion Cemetery in Mitchell. Visitation will be Thursday, April 25, from 5-7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM prayer service at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

A live stream of John's Funeral Mass can be viewed at:    https://www.youtube.com/@MitchellCatholicParishes/streams

John Lauer was many things to many people throughout his life. Some of his most important roles have been:

Husband: John met Darlene in 1953 while on leave from his military duty. After 18 months of getting to know each other via letters, they started dating in 1955 and were married in August 1956. For almost 67 years, they walked hand-in-hand, forming a union that showed the world how true love and commitment can impact multitudes of individuals, families, and communities.

Dad and grandpa: John and Darlene had six children (six children-in-law), fourteen grandchildren (seven grand-in-laws), and nine great-grandchildren (with two soon-to-be born great-granddaughters). While his career as a high school math teacher might say differently, John and Darlene proved 1 + 1 = 46 (and counting).

Catholic: John was a long-time member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He inspired all of us to humbly bow to Christ’s guidance while boldly living the values of faith, hope, and charity.

Life-long student and teacher: While best known as a Mitchell High School Math teacher, he was more than that. From leading cub scouts on camping trips (cheers to Pack #246) to studying computer science lessons the night before he taught that same lesson to high schoolers; from watching all sides of political news so he could better understand multiple perspectives to his final hours of showing a new nurse how a life that cultivates love transitions peacefully to heaven.

South Dakotan: A life-long South Dakota resident, John Lauer was born on May 17, 1932 in Howard, university-educated in the Black Hills, and raised his family while teaching in Bridgewater and Mitchell.

Military man: John wanted to serve his country and explore new settings. He joined the Navy in 1951, completed Basic Training in San Diego, served aboard the U.S.S. Chikaskia, and served up and down the East Asian coast through January 1955.

Adventurer: While living most of his life in South Dakota, he and Darlene (and sometimes with us kids when we behaved) vacationed from the beaches of Hawaii and sand dunes of California to the autumn leaves of Maine; from the Alaskan coastline to his snowbird community in New Braunfels, Texas. He also traveled internationally - throughout Panama, Russia, and Europe with his kids (when he behaved).

John was preceded in death by the love of his life, Darlene Lauer; granddaughter, Michele Lauer; his parents, Charles and Mary (Thelen) Lauer; six siblings; and a large community of beloved family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, John preferred donations to LifeQuest, the Mitchell Catholic Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

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