Lewis Lauer

Lewis F. Lauer, 86, formerly of Youngstown, NY, passed away under the loving care of his family and hospice on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at the home of his daughter and son in law in Newark, DE. Born on October 13, 1925 in Niagara Falls,NY, Lew was the son of the late Lewis and Lillian (Pearson) Lauer and the oldest of 5 children. A 1943 graduate of Niagara Falls High School, he served our country with the US Army, 28th Infantry Division, in Europe during World War II from 1944-46. He attended Niagara and Cornell Universities. Lew was employed at Ayers Witmer Lumber in Niagara Falls and Frontier Lumber Company in Buffalo, retiring in 1989. Lew was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown where he served as a Deacon and was a longtime choir member. He was a member of two local singing groups, The Mary Mitchell Singers and The Good Sound. He loved his family, his church, his music and his flowers. He married Suzanne Kolloff in 1952 and was predeceased by her in 1991. Survivors include his son, Jeffrey Lauer of Niagara Falls; daughter, Tracy Lauer, of Phoenix, AZ; daughter and son in law, Kathryn and Michael Melville and grandchildren, Timothy and Sarah, of Newark, DE. He is also survived by his sister and friend, Dianne Havens, of Niagara Falls as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by three brothers, Paul, Richard, and Arthur. Burial will be private. A memorial service to celebrate Lew's life will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Youngstown with the Rev. Charles Lamb officiating. There will be no visitation. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Music Fund of the Youngstown Presbyterian Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to HARDISON FUNERAL HOME, N. Fourth & Ridge Sts., Lewiston.