Donald C. Lauer
Don Lauer, age 77 of Arkansaw, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 13, 2014 with his family by his side.
Don, the oldest of two children was born July 28, 1937 at home in Elmwood, WI to Carl and Anna (Kannel) Lauer. At age 2, Don and his family moved to a new home in rural Arkansaw to be near the Lauer Brothers Hatchery family business. Don attended the one room school at Maple Ridge and graduated from Arkansaw High School in May 1955. On May 20, 1961 he married Dawn Brady at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. They made their home and raised their two daughters and a son, on a dairy farm on Maple Ridge where they lived all their married life.
Don operated a farmstead equipment business that he took over when his father passed away in 1970. The business was small, mainly selling parts when Don started. He expanded the business to include equipment and installation. His son, Kevin, became a partner in the business in 1988, and they worked side by side until Don retired from the business in 1995, after 25 years.
Don sold his cows and retired in 2000. For several years, he continued to cash crop, and more recently began renting out his land.
Don also served his community as assessor, school board member, usher, and as a member of the church council.
Don enjoyed fishing and turkey hunting and always looked forward to the annual tradition of deer hunting. In the last months, he hunted via the photos he received on his iPad from a trail camera.
In his retirement years, learning the computer was a challenge Don enjoyed. He also enjoyed woodworking, making a sewing center, desk, gun cabinets, many quilt racks, and plant stands. Several gun cabinets were donated to the local Fur, Fish & Game raffle.
Don was a gentle, caring husband, father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his family. Don enjoyed sharing stories. He was famous for making a short story long and would typically laugh before each story he had to share. He had a great sense of humor, an infectious smile and often a mischievous grin on his face! He was grateful for the good neighbors and lifelong friendships he shared.
Don is survived by his wife of 53 years; Dawn; three children Cindy (Mark) Spindler of Rosemount, MN, Sheila (Dan) Kanis of Viroqua and Kevin (friend Karen Sadewater) Lauer of Arkansaw; six grandchildren Ryan Spindler, Joel Spindler, Lauren Spindler, Jacob (Laura) Kanis, Kaitlyn Kanis, Garriet Kanis, one great grandson, Harvey Spindler Banat, and his brother Brian (Joan) Lauer of Arkansaw.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 AM Thursday, September 18, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Arkansaw. Rev. Paul G. Czerwonka will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends my call from 5-8 PM Wednesday at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand and one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.
Don often expressed his gratitude, and the children would like to thank their Mom for her loving care over his final days, months, and years.
The family wishes to thank St Croix Hospice for the wonderful care and assistance during this difficult time.