Melvin L Lauer

Funeral Services for Melvin L. Lauer will be held on Wednesday, January 20, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Jamie Strickler officiating. Interment will follow at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege with Military Honors provided by the Martin-Horn American Legion Post #66 in conjunction with the United States Army National Guard Honors Team.

Melvin Leonard Lauer, 95 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2016 at the Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. Melvin was born October 18, 1920 on the family farm, northwest of Cozad, Nebraska in Dawson County, the second of five children born to William Henry and Minnie (Mueller) Lauer. He received his education from rural school Districts #30 and #82 in Dawson County until the 6th grade. Melvin then began his lifelong career and passion of farming.

On August 12, 1951, Melvin was united in marriage to LaVon Schmeeckle at in Dawson County and to this union two sons were born: James L. and Norris A. The family made their home in Dawson County and in 1952 moved to the family farm in Phelps County, where they worked side-by-side to run the farming and cattle operation. Melvin was very proud to be one of the first farmers in the area to install an irrigation well. He was a man of many trades, including electrician and carpentry. He wired many homes throughout his lifetime and built the family home in 1961. LaVon preceded him in death in 1971, as a result of a farming accident.

On November 24, 1973, he was united in marriage to Delilah (Hodge) Miller and they continued to make their home on the farm. He retired from farming in 2001.

He enjoyed square dancing and card playing. But most of all, loved spending time with all of his children and grandchildren. He was an active member in the Bethel Lutheran Church.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; wives, LaVon in 1971 and Delilah in 2010; sister, Irene Janssen and her husband, Raymond and sister-in-law, Jolene Lauer.

Left to celebrate Melvin's life include his sons: James Lauer and his wife, Margery of Kearney, Nebraska and Norris Lauer and his wife, Naomi of Plano, Texas; two step-daughters: Marsha Shriver of Holdrege and Elaine Waggoner and her husband, Jerry of York, Nebraska; eight grandchildren: Kelly Waggoner, Tim Waggoner, Brad Thompson, Amy (Thompson) Dunn, Phillip Lauer, Kyla (Lauer) Trumble, Lorena (Lauer) Boynton and Lance Lauer; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; three brothers: Robert Lauer and his wife, Jeanette and Roland Lauer and his wife, Norma, all of Gothenburg, Nebraska and Willard Lauer and his wife, Audrey of Wichita, Kansas; along with many extended family members, other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 19, 2016 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in Melvin's honor and kindly suggested the Parkinson's Disease Foundation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.