John Francis Lauer

     John Francis Lauer, age 87, of Alma, MI, passed away Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at MyMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot, Alma, MI.
      Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, November 18, 2024, with Pastor Carl Cecil officiating. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI. Visitation will be held 3-7 P.M. on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the funeral home.
      John always said, "I was born in a barn on the family farm" outside of Carson City, Michigan on February 4, 1937, the son of Roy S. and Vera Marie (Bohen) Lauer. He graduated from St. Mary's Catholic High School, Carson City, MI in 1955.
      On January 23, 1971, John married Carol Rae Geiersbach at the Salvation Army Church, Alma, MI. They have been blessed with fifty-three years of marriage. They were members of the Alma Wesleyan Church and then Faith First Church of Alma for many years. John worked for Cross Roofing for many years, and then was facility coordinator and security manager for Bank of Alma for over 20 years retiring in 1999.
      John was passionate about model railroading; many of his steam engines are on display in the Clare Railroad Museum. In his younger years, he had his pilots' license and enjoyed flying many different planes, drove race cars and motorcycles, and owned a sailboat. John also enjoyed antique cars, and French and Indian War Reenacting. He had a story about nearly everything.
      He is survived by his wife Carol, eight children: David Lauer, Tom (Jeanann) Lauer, Lauri Winner, Philip (Bev) Lauer, Doug (Lisa) Lauer, Cathy (Gerald) Wisner, Karen (Jenny) Lauer, and Paul (Jennifer) Lauer; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one great-great grandson, brother Bill Lauer, sister Rosemary Bernard, sister-in-law Sally Lauer, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Niccie Husband, grandson Tommy Lauer, great- grandson Austin Husband, son-in-law Randy Winner, brother Leon Lauer, and sister Wanda Higdon.
      Memorials may be made to Faith First Church of Alma - P.O. Box 863, Alma, MI 48801. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, Michigan.