At 4:45 AM on March 12, 2017, at the David Simpson Hospice House, surrounded by the love of friends and family, John Lauer of Concord peacefully left this world.

He was born on November 25. 1940 in Oil City, PA to John F. Lauer and Enid who preceded him in death.

He graduated from Oil City High School in 1958 and immediately enlisted in the US Airforce. While in the Airforce he attended Russian Language School at Syracuse University.

He was on flight duty out of Rheim Mein in Frankfort, Germany as an analyst, intercepting, translating and analyzing conversations between Russian Mig pilots. John took great pride in his military service and also the service of his son’s, John and Andy.

After leaving the service in 1962, John attended Clarion University in Pennsylvania, graduating in 1965 with majors in History, Education, and Russian. He joined the Social Studies teaching staff at John R, Williams Jr High in the Riverside Local School District (formally Painesville Township Schools). He spent his entire career in the district, mentoring and inspiring numerous students in Economics, World History and Current Issues and Problems classes. He earned his Master’s degree in 1970 in the area of English History.

John taught students how to write and think critically. Through his current events games his students became better-informed citizens. Many of Mr. Lauer’s students recall his love for renowned author, James Mitchner, and his novel, The Source. Many students will remember him as a coach of the Academic Decathlon and the championship Citizen’s Bee teams.

After 35 years in his beloved classroom, John retired in 2000. However, his time as an educator had not ended. He tutored ESOL for the Townships schools and joined the staff of ABLE teaching immigrants to speak English. His final retirement came in 2014.

As a representative of the Painesville Township Education Association (RLEA), John initiated the Irene Demore (Teachers’ Memorial) Scholarship which he partially funded with recycling. John also served as President of the union. He loved animals, especially chickens, cats and dogs, and was a pet parent to many.

John Lauer was many things: mentor, Anglophile, antique collector, gardener, hunter, world traveler, patriot, brother, father, husband, and educator. He excelled at these.

He is preceded in death by his infant son, James Andrew Lauer; brother, Daniel Lauer; and stepfather, Bryan Gilbert. Also, his beloved four-legged friends, Killer the cat and Fang the dog.

John is survived by his wife of 22 years, Sally; sons John F. (Jamie) Lauer, J. Andrew (Michele) Lauer; Jev (Ronda) Vaidean; and Chris Vaidean; Brother, Wesley(Jo) Lauer; grandchildren, Benjamin Vaidean, Brandon (Amanda)Vaidean, Nick (Erica) Vaidean, Duncan Vaidean, Angela Vaidean, Hunter Lauer, Liberty Lauer, Mitchell Keeney, Tucker Keeney and Kyan Vano.
John’s family thanks the staff at the Hospice House and the care team from Hospice of the Western Reserve, for the care and respect shown to John.

Funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday at the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Interment will be at Concord Twp. Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Lewey Body Association, Hospice of the Western Reserve or Caroline’s Kids Pet Sanctuary.

Please offer condolences at www.brunners.com