Funeral Services for Robert B. “Bob” Lauer will be held on Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Loomis, Nebraska with Pastor Tom Thompson officiating. Per family request, face coverings are preferred to attend.
Interment will be held on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, in rural Maxwell, Nebraska, with military honors conducted by the North Platte Honor Guard in conjunction with the United States Army Funeral Honors Team. Per cemetery guidelines, face coverings are required to attend and attendance is limited to 25 people.
Due to health concerns, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic; the Lauer family sincerely encourages each person to make their decision whether to attend Bob’s visitation, and funeral service, based on the best interest of your health, and that of your community. The funeral service will be live streamed via the Loomis Evangelical Free Church Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/Loomis-Evangelical-Free-Church-201149807295
Robert Bruce “Bob” Lauer, 91 years of age, of Loomis, Nebraska, died on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at his home. Bob was born on March 12, 1929, in Custer County, Nebraska, near Merna, Nebraska, the eldest of two sons, born to Gus and Lillian (Ritchie) Lauer. Bob received his primary education from numerous schools and then received his secondary education and later graduated from Broken Bow High School in Broken Bow, Nebraska, with the class of 1947.
Following his education, Bob took classes and began working as a self-employed electrician. In January 1951, Bob was united in marriage to Pauline Ellen Trotter. This union was blessed with five children: Verba “Annie Jean”, Robert Jr., Barbara, Larry, and Jerry. On February 2, 1951, Bob was inducted into the United States Army. He was later honorably discharged on February 1, 1953, at Atlanta, Georgia. The family made their home in Broken Bow, where Bob worked for Pirnie Brothers and later owned and operated the Frontier Gas Station. On the farm, Bob had his radiator business and would also blacksmith. Bob and Pauline would later divorce.
On November 22, 1993, Bob was united in marriage to Bernadine Carolyn Colbo in Lexington. The couple started living in Merna, Nebraska but lived in Loomis for the majority of their marriage. On January 25, 2013, Bernadine preceded Bob in death.
Bob worked as an Electrician and Welder off and on, throughout his entire life. He also worked as a Road Grader Operator; on irrigation drilling rigs; was the General Manager for a grain/feed/fertilizer business; farmed and raised cattle; and at Mrs. T’s. In his free time, Bob enjoyed gardening, mechanical work and woodworking, making flag cases, urns and other wood novelties.
Bob was a member of the American Legion Post #50 in Merna; and attended the Loomis Evangelical Free Church.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; two sons: Robert Lauer, Jr.; and Larry Wayne Lauer; sister-in-law, Emma Dean Lauer; and son-in-law, Bill Holland; and both wife’s; Bernadine and Pauline.
Bob is survived by his two daughters: Verba “Annie Jean” Lauer of Hot Springs, South Dakota; and Barbara Lauer of Broken Bow, Nebraska; one son, Jerry Lauer of Loomis; grandchildren: Christine Hilburn; Nathan Lauer; and Bobbie Jo Tucker; great-grandchild; Quin Lauer; brother, Richard Lauer of Davidson, Oklahoma; along with other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home, in Holdrege with the family present.
A memorial has been established in Bob’s honor and kindly suggested to the Evangelical Free Church of Loomis or to the family to be put towards the Holdrege Veterans Memorial.
Expressions of caring and kindness can be given to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com
The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.