Willard Alvin Lauer affectionately known as "Bill" passed on October 8, 2026, at the age of 93. He was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska on October 21, 1932 to William and Minnie (Mueller) Lauer.
Willard graduated from Gothenburg, Nebraska and shortly after enlisted in The United States Air Force where he served overseas in Germany and one tour in Vietnam. He retired at McConnell Air Force base after 21 years of service.
Willard married the love of his life Audrey Hope Dixon in Alexandria Louisiana on September 9, 1953. While there, they were blessed by Michael William, and shortly after Marcia Lynn. Willard was transferred to Denver Colorado where they had Mark Douglas and William Alan.
After military retirement, he started Bill Lauer Construction Company and ran a successful business for almost 20 years.
Willard was always working. He continued home remodeling all the way through this past summer. He loved going to the Chase County senior center daily and met many friends.
Willard had strong faith. He was a long time member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church where he was a member for over 60 years. After relocating to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas, he was warmly welcomed and loved by the Grace Lutheran Church in Strong City, Kansas.
Outside of working he was proud of his family. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
Willard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Audrey, son Mark Lauer, sister Irene Jensen, brothers; Melvin and Robert Lauer.
He leaves to cherish his memories; children Michael (Diana) Lauer, Marcia (John) Harford, and Bill (Pam) Lauer; grandchildren; Jessica Murphy (Cameron), Megan Knutzen (Justin), Cathrine Leis (Lance), Robert Harford, William Lauer II (Lisa), Joe Lauer, Jim Lauer (Karly); numerous great and great-great grandchildren; brother Roland Lauer (Norma) and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thank you to Connie Taylor his caregiver who took Willard wherever he needed to go. She made these last few years so special and meaningful to him.
A viewing will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 9:30AM-10:30AM with a funeral service at 10:30AM both at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 600 N Greenwich Rd, Wichita, KS 67206.Immediately following the service a burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery, 12100 E. 13th St. N., Wichita, Kansas 67206.
A reception will follow the burial at Holy Cross Lutheran Church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Chase County Senior Center and Grace Lutheran Church.
