Kenneth Lauer

KENNETH LAUER

Cedar Rapids

Kenneth Harold Lauer, 84, of Cedar Rapids, was called home Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017,

following a short stay at St. Luke's Hospital in Cedar Rapids surrounded by his loving family.

His funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 7, at Gloria Dei Lutheran

Church in Cedar Rapids. A celebration of his life will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories Stateroom. He will be laid to rest at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Ken was born to Harold and Evelyn Lauer in their home in Eldorado, Iowa, on Feb. 4, 1932.

He was united in marriage to the love of his life, Patricia Graessle, on June 5, 1955. Their union was blessed with two sons, Scott and Brian. Ken's happiest moments were times spent with the family he treasured so much.

Ken retired in 2007 after 40 years at Kirkwood Community College as a financial aid officer.

In his free time, Ken enjoyed gardening, running, hunting and fishing, outdoor activities and photography. He had a strong faith and was an active member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Rolland Lauer.

He leaves his wife of 62 years, Pat; two sons, Scott (Kecia) Lauer and Brian (Becki) Lauer; four grandchildren, Savannah, Noah, Emily and Anthony "AJ"; two sisters-in-law, Paula Lauer and Shirley (Sherwin) Taradash; two nieces, Dee Ann Rexroat and Jane Moderhack; and two nephews, David Rexroat and Kurt Lauer, to cherish his memory.

He will be remembered for his infectious smile, enjoyable sense of humor, unwavering faith, consistently positive spirit, and fierce loyalty to the things he cared about, including his family, Kirkwood, and his beloved St. Louis Cardinals. He will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Alzheimer's Association or St. Luke's Hospital's Ed and Joan Hemphill Hospice Unit.

Online condolences may be directed to the family at www .cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.