Bernard Joseph Lauer

Born on February 19, 1934, in Howard, South Dakota, Bud was the son of Joseph and Agnes Lauer. He was one of eight children, raised alongside his siblings Alyce, Dorothy, Eugene, Leo, Loretta, Gertrude, and James (Jim). He graduated from Saint Agatha High School in 1952 and later earned an associate degree in business administration from Sacramento City College. He proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1953 to 1957, completing his military service with an honorable discharge in 1961.

While stationed in Roswell, New Mexico, Bud met the love of his life, Elsie. They married on June 4, 1955, at St. Peter’s Church in Roswell and built a beautiful life together. His career took them to Brea, California, where they raised their four daughters—Cheryl, Jacci, Lisa, and Margo. Bud adored his daughters, and even though he was often outnumbered in a home of five women, he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

In 1970, after years of working for International Harvester Co., Bud took a position as the Vice President of Utility Trailer Sales. While living in Brea, Bud and Elsie were very faithful members of St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, where Bud was an active member of the Knights of Columbus.

Once their children had started families of their own, Bud’s career took them to Kansas City, Missouri, where he purchased and operated two Utility Trailer dealerships. A devout Catholic, Bud quickly established a community at Church of the Nativity in Leawood, Kansas, and remained a committed member of the Knights of Columbus for decades.

Despite a demanding career, he lived a life rooted in faith, service, and a deep devotion to his family and community. It didn’t matter how busy he was; he always made time for his family and the things he enjoyed. He wore many hats, and his talents included woodworking, bowling, golf, gardening and diamond painting, to name a few. He took great pride in his six grandchildren and could often be found in his woodworking shop handcrafting intricate toys, dollhouses, and furniture for them.

Many would say that his greatest talent was his sense of humor. Bud didn’t know a stranger and could turn an ordinary moment into a room full of laughter. His quick wit, stories and jokes were at the core of who he was as a person. He could retell a story from decades ago as if it happened yesterday and had a knack for making everyone feel like they were in on the fun. His humor was affectionate and had the unique ability to make people not just feel entertained but included and loved.

Bud’s gift for bringing joy to others was matched by his deep commitment to serving those around him. He volunteered with various organizations throughout his life, most notably the years he spent volunteering at Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care. In 2019, he was recognized at the 70 over 70 Awards Ceremony, where he was honored for handcrafting thousands of “Hearts for Hospice”, which Kansas City Hospice provided as comforting gifts to families after the loss of their loved ones.

In their later years, Bud and Elsie were beloved residents of Brookdale Senior Living, where Bud earned the esteemed title “Mayor of Brookdale” by organizing projects and activities that enriched the lives of his neighbors, including a crafting group that he taught to handcraft hearts for the Kansas City Hospice.

Wherever life took him, Bud’s faith, humor, compassion and spirit made every community that he called home a better place.

Bud was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 63 years, Elsie Lauer; his parents, Joseph and Agnes Lauer; and his siblings Alyce, Dorothy, Eugene, Leo, Loretta, and Gertrude.

He is survived by his four daughters—Cheryl, Jacci, Lisa, and Margo; his grandchildren Niccole, Jeremy, Amanda, Shane, Ali, and Jayme; his great grandchildren Osiria, Isabella, and Sage; and his brother Jim Lauer, along with many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

A visitation, memorial service and mass will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Church of the Nativity beginning at 9:30 a.m. Mass will be followed by a procession to Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Lenexa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Kansas City Hospice and Palliative Care in honor of Bernard “Bud” Lauer, https://kchospice.org/donate.

Bud lived fully, loved deeply, and gave freely. His impact on this world will never be forgotten, and we will carry his spirit with us always.