Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
Serving O'Brien & Clay Counties
A memorial service for Jeffrey A. Lauer was held Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at First Reformed Church in Sanborn. Pastor Mark Ellens officiated.
Honorary pallbearers were Jared Foster, Aaron Alons, Anton Klein, Dan Stofferan and Matt Pederson. Military graveside rites were conducted by Sanborn American Legion, Earl T. Conaway Post #318. Sanborn Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.
Jeffrey Allen “Jeff” Lauer was born on July 18, 1964, in St. Cloud, Minn. He attended school in St. Cloud and graduated with the Class of 1982.
Jeff began serving his country with the United States Army in March of 1985. During his tour of duty he earned the Army Commendation Medal (4th), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal (3rd), Good Conduct Medal (4th), National Defense Service Medal, Noncommissioned Officer’s Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon and the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Grenade Bar. He spent one year in foreign service and completed several Military Education Courses from 1985 to 1994. He was honorably discharged at Fort Rucker, Ala., on March 1, 1998.
Following his military service, Jeff built a career in the plumbing and heating industry. For 15 years he worked as a skilled technician at SP Heating and Cooling in Sanborn, after initially specializing in fire sprinkler systems. Jeff was known for his expertise and willingness to share knowledge with co-workers. Customers appreciated Jeff for his respectful personality and his ability to engage in conversation while solving their immediate crisis. His calm approach to problem-solving and his technical skill made him an invaluable team member and trusted professional.
While growing up in Minnesota, Jeff had spent a lot of time outdoors hunting and fishing. He also used to be a big fan of NASCAR. In later years he enjoyed a good game of cribbage or having a few laughs with karaoke. Motorcycles were a special interest of his, and he found gardening and cooking to be relaxing pastimes. From February of 2006 to November 2020, Jeff was married to April Van Wyne. He was a member of the First Reformed Church in Sanborn.
Jeff passed from this life on Monday, Dec. 30, 2024, at the age of 60 years. He is now reunited with loved ones who had gone before: his grandparents; his parents; sister, Anita Schwinghammer; brother, Steve Lauer; and his son, Jeffrey Allen Lauer II.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Christopher (Kayla) Turner and their children, Zander and Annalyn; Makayla (Alysha) Martel; Christopher (Brooke) Hagerman and their son, Micah; Cassidy Hagerman and her children: Kora Hagerman and Kayden Jackson, and Madalynn “Madi” Lauer; his sisters: Tammie Fabel, Debbie Toenjes and Julie Lauer; other relatives, co-workers and friends.
