Dennis Errol Lauer, age 86, passed away peacefully on January 11, 2025, at St. Mary Hospital in Hobart, Indiana. Born June 19th, 1938, in Salina, Kansas, he was raised in Topeka, Kansas, where he graduated from Topeka High School. Dennis pursued a lifelong love of learning, earning both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Physics from the University of Kansas, followed by a Master’s degree in Mathematics from Purdue University and an ABD in Physics from the University of Notre Dame. He dedicated 40 years of his life teaching mathematics and physics as a college professor at Purdue North Central, where his passion for education enriched the lives of countless students.
Dennis was an avid lover of classical music and an accomplished violinist, a talent he cherished and shared with his family throughout his life. He was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, where he sang in the choir with his wife, Lillie, for more than 30 years. He also performed with various orchestras including the LaPorte Symphony, Valparaiso University Orchestra, Memorial Opera House, and the South Shore Orchestra. He treasured most playing music with his wife and children in The Lauer Strings quintet, performing for many years together and passing down his love of music to his children and grandchildren.
Dennis married the love of his life, Lillie Jean Rehlander on May 15th 1976 at the Valparaiso University Chapel. He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Lillie Jean (Rehlander) Lauer, and their three children: Ryan (Blair) Lauer, Jeanine (Nathan) Ratterman, and Christian (Rachael) Lauer. He was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Awyn, Lillian, Isaac, and Sidney Lauer, Nicole and George Ratterman, and Maximilian, Eleanor, and Lucille Lauer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Awyn (Gamber) Lauer and his brother, Laurence Lauer.
Dennis will be remembered not only for his intellectual accomplishments, love of reading, travel, and musical talents, but also for his unwavering kindness, gentleness, and the deep love he had for his wife, family, and friends. Dennis loved annual trips with his wife and close friends to the Stratford Shakespeare Festival in Canada attending plays and musicals. Dennis was known for his love of reading multiple books simultaneously on topics he loved including philosophy, mathematics, science, linguistics, and religion. Dennis was a faithful man that loved our Lord Jesus Christ. His legacy of education, academic learning, music, and family will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will continue to be a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025 from 10:00 AM – noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, IN, with a service beginning at noon. Cremation to follow with interment of ashes to be at Immanuel Lutheran Church Memorial Garden at a later date. Donations in Dennis’s honor may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, IN.
GUESTBOOK
Friend of the family of Georgia Ratterman. -Bill Gates
My sympathies to the family of Dennis! -Jane Witkowski
My deepest sympathy and Prayers for the Lauer Family …. Friend of Rep. Ryan Lauer, -CL Gill
Our sympathy , Love, and prayers are with your family. So sorry that we cannot be with you at this time to encourage you during your great loss! We have sent a donation to Immanuel Lutheran church, i to honor Dennis. -Cal, Ruth, Scott, and Elizabeth Rehlander
Dennis was a wonderful person, strong in faith and full of joy. I know he will be missed by many. I knew Dennis as I was a child growing up across the street from the family. He inspired the families kids to learn musical instruments, develop their religious faith, and excel in their education. If all families had a father like him, the world would be a much better place. -Michael "Mason" Gott
So sorry for your loss. We will keep your family in our prayers. -Shawn and Marti Kleinpeter
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May all the wonderful memories comfort you during this time. -Judy Poling
