Robert "Bob" C. Lauer

Robert (Bob) C. Lauer, 94, passed away peacefully on November 2nd, 2023 with his beloved wife Judith at his side.  Born March 4th, 1929 to Frank and Hilda Lauer, Bob grew up in Whiting, IN helping his dad in the ice and coal business.  After graduating from Merrillville High School, Bob joined the Army Air Force and completed his service as Staff Sergeant, specializing in heavy equipment mechanics and operations.  He then enrolled at Hanover College, was president of Sigma Chi fraternity and graduated in 1954 with a BS degree in economics and business.  It was at Hanover that he met and married his forever Hanover Heart, Judith Pierce.  Three children followed and, after four different positions in four cities, Bob moved to Evansville, IN in 1962 with Bucyrus-Erie Co. where he was a sales technical writer and instructor.  After 25 years, he retired as their General Manager over Parts, Service & Training in the Construction Machinery Division.  Many B-E reps would later call Bob “one of the best instructors” they ever had.

Bob, Judy and the piano she taught on for 56 years moved to Noblesville, IN in 1989. Throughout his life, Bob was a loving and supportive husband and father with many family competitions of ping-pong, croquet, gin rummy, board games, pool and horseshoes.  He was also an avid car/truck enthusiast – restoring and collecting everything from a '48 Jeepster to a '55 Chevy Nomad to a '71 Super Bee Dodge.  In fact, his '66 Pontiac GTO is still with the family.  As a strong Christian with a heart for service, Bob was an active member of Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis where he supported many of their outreach programs including Christmas Benevolence, Bread for the World, Crop Walk and other annual fund-raising mission projects.  In addition, he volunteered at Riverview Hospital in Noblesville as a transporter with over 1,500 hours of service.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Judith; three children, Toni Lauer McNeely (Paul) of Indianapolis, Brian Kent Lauer (Bonnie) of St. Louis and Ward Daniel Lauer (Amy) of Westfield, IN; 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; plus numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his older sister, Glenna Mandernach (nee Lauer); and younger brother, Darrel Lauer.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 25th at Second Presbyterian Church, 7700 N Meridian Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.  Visitation will be at 9:30am in the Parlor with a service immediately following in the Sanctuary at 11:00. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bob's name to the Hanover Tuition Assistance program, Attn: Advancement Services, 517 Ball Drive, Hanover, IN 47243; or to Second Presbyterian Church-Missions.