John Lauer

It is with extreme sadness that we announce the passing of John G. Lauer.  He was a bright spark in this world and will be deeply missed by many. He was philosophical, quick-witted, and full of wisdom. He was a good provider for his family, he had the ability to enlighten those around him and he did more for others than he did for himself.

John Lauer (75) of Syracuse, Indiana, and Surprise, Arizona, passed away at his Surprise home on late Sunday evening of January 23rd, 2022 surrounded by his family.

John was born on November 25, 1946, to Robert and Gertrude (Alt) Lauer in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1964 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he studied at Indiana University (Fort Wayne and Bloomington) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science.

John served two years in the Army to include combat in Vietnam War (1969-70). A position in management within Weatherhead Company located in Syracuse lead to a move from Fort Wayne.  He then worked for 30 years as a machinist with Dana Corporation, an unionized automotive-manaufaturing factory.  He was a long-standing member of the VFW Post #1342 and the American Legion Wawasee Post #223 both located in Syracuse.

John was passionate about sailboating on Lake Wawasee and growing a garden at his lake home in Syracuse. He owned, bred, and raced thoroughbred horses. He was an avid reader on a diverse range of subjects. For decades, he was known as a great cook who loved to share his food with those in the neighborhood. During retirement, he enjoyed frequent travels to Florida and later to California which included visits with two of his daughters, a favorite son-in-law, two grandchildren, and other close friends.

John was predeceased by his parents, a sister Anne, a brother Timothy, and a son Chad. He is survived by a sister, Rita Minick (Twinsburg, Ohio); a brother Michael Lauer (New Haven, Indiana); Andrea Bellairs, his life partner of 17 years; his three daughters: Cynthia Lauer (Fort Wayne, Indiana), Michelle Lauer (Jonathan Baker) (Brentwood, California) and Rebecca Lauer (New Orleans, Louisiana); Andrea’s children Troy Bellairs (Crystal) (Glendale, Arizona) and Angela Bellairs (South Bend, Indiana).

Additionally, John is survived by six grandchildren: Taya Lauer (Patrick Borne), Jared Lauer, Inara and Leo Baker-Lauer, Robert Szabo, Jr., and Saphira Bellairs.  His late fiance Pamela Hawkins preceded him in death in 2002. He remained Grandpa to Pamela’s grandchildren: Brittany, Jessica, and Christina. Also, surviving are close Arizona friends Duane Groves, Larry Reid, and Tom Helman.  Also preceded him in death, are several good friends from Indiana.

A celebration of life will be held in Syracuse, Indiana on June 18, 2022 (details to be announced at a later time). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in Surprise, Arizona.