Obituary for Russell Clarence Lauer

Russell Clarence Lauer, 92, of West Union, Iowa was called home by our heavenly father on Wednesday afternoon, February 14, 2024, at his home. Russell was born on July 2, 1931, at the family farm near Eldorado, IA to Clarence and Clara (Buhmann) Lauer.  He was baptized and confirmed at St. Peter Lutheran Church, Eldorado, IA.  He grew up in Eldorado, IA on the family farm until his father died and then moved to West Union, IA.  He graduated from West Union High School in 1949.  Go 49ers!

Russell was united in marriage to Irene Shirley Blue on September 11,1960.  Six children were born to this union: Debbie, Gregory, Gary, Mark, Gerald, and David.

Russell worked various jobs over the years including Hy-Grade in Postville, IA; Rath Packing in Waterloo; working as a carpenter for Reynold Baumler, then Russell and his brother George did custom feed grinding for various farmers in the Eldorado and West Union area.  They also had a plumbing and heating business together for years.  Russell later started his own tiling and bulldozing business.  He laid thousands of feet of clay tile in the West Union and Hawkeye farming area.  Russell enjoyed bartending at the Long Branch where he loved to play cards, especially Pinochle and dance.  All the ladies loved dancing with him, his dance card was always full! He then worked for Reilly Construction Co. Inc, of Ossian, IA doing various road construction duties.  He was awarded his ten-year plaque in March of 2004.  He then worked as a fertilizer tender truck driver for Viafield and at Nutrient of West Union, IA, where he retired at the age of 88.

Russell’s hobbies were farming, gardening, dancing, and playing cards.

Survivors include wife Irene Shirley Lauer, daughter Debbie (Mike) Lorenz of Des Moines, IA; Sons Gary Lauer of Randalia, IA; Mark (Barb) Lauer of West Union, IA; Gerald (Brenda) Lauer, of Stanley, IA; David Lauer of West Union, IA; 16 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. Sister Velda Mae Lauer of Oelwein, IA, Sister-in-laws Donna Blue, Barb Blue and Sharon Blue.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Clara; his in-laws Elmer and Mildred (Daniels) Blue; Son Gregory Lauer; grandchildren Michael, Shawnie, and Casi Lauer; sisters Alice Danneman Gunderman and Darlene Briggs; brother George Lauer; brothers-in-law Herman Danneman, Paul Briggs, Ed Gunderman, Victor Blue and Gerald (Jerry) Blue.

A public visitation will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, IA on Saturday, February 24th from 9-11 a.m. The funeral service will take place directly following.

Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.