MENDOTA – Mike Lauer, 90, passed away peacefully at his home on November 21, 2024, with his loving family by his side.

Visitation is from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26 in Holy Cross Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. with Rev. Greg Nelson officiating. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Mendota Area Senior Services or Donor’s Choice. Condolences may be left at wasmerfuneralhome.com.

Mike was born Donald M. Lauer on November 21, 1934, in Amboy to Ralph and Bernice (Glaser) Lauer. Due to too many Dons, he was Mike from early grade school on. He graduated Amboy High School in 1951 and proudly served in the United States Army.

On February 1, 1964, he married the love of his life, Joan Sondgeroth, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Earlville. Mike was an Ironworker for Union #386 then #444 in Joliet his entire career, retiring in 1994. Mike was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association. He loved fishing and hunting, and had made the trek to Hayward, Wisconsin to fish with a dear friend for 65 years. He and Joan loved to travel. They drove to 48 of the 50 states and explored Europe.

Mike will be forever missed by his loving wife Joan of Mendota, sons Daniel (Liz) Lauer of Greenwood, IN., Marty (Peggy) Lauer of Rockford, daughter Ann Lauer of Mendota, three grandchildren: Jaden Becsenesco, Allie Lauer, Abbie Lauer, brother Pal Lauer of West Brooklyn, and sister Lynn (Jerry) O’Sadnick of Mendota.

Lauer was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters: Marian DeCastris, Rita Fischbach, and brother Ray Lauer.