Carl Anthony Lauer, 76, passed away on April 7, 2020 at the Mayo Clinic Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona. Carl was born on November 18, 1943 in Lincoln, IL, the son of Carl G. and Dorothea (Harness) Lauer. They preceded him in death. He is survived by his brother, Dean (Sharon) of Phoenix, AZ and two nephews, Daniel (Natasha) Lauer of Chicago, IL and Ryan Lauer of Gilbert, AZ.
Carl graduated from Lincoln Community High School in 1961 and Illinois Wesleyan University in 1965 with B.A. in English. He later obtained his M.A. in English from Illinois State University. He taught for may years in the English Department of Bloomington High School in Bloomington, IL and later enjoyed many more years as the Director of Christian Education at Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington. After his retirement he moved to Westminster Village in Scottsdale, AZ where he was an active member a well as at Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley, AZ.
Carl was an accomplished musician in both piano and organ. He especially like the organ and enjoyed attending organ recitals by the Music Department of Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. He also enjoyed traveling and had a keen interest in England and the British Monarchy, having visited London on several occasions.
Carl will be interred in New Union Cemetery in Lincoln, IL with memorial services in Scottsdale and Lincoln at a later date. Memorials may contribute to Second Presbyterian Church in Bloomington, IL or Valley Presbyterian Church in Paradise Valley, AZ. Arrangements entrusted to Fricke-Calvert-Schrader in Lincoln. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Becky Strack
I am saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Lauer. I was a student of his in 1974 as well as a senior class officer 1975. I will never forget the ride back from the football field concession stand after the football season was over- the senior class was in charge of it and we cleaned it out one day. I was squeezed in the back of his car which was loaded with all the leftover food and supplies. There were two others stuffed in the front seat with Mr. Lauer. Although the drive back to school was all of 3 minutes give or take, it was full of fun and life just like he always was. I have always thought of him fondly when I recite to myself, “To thy own self be true” during times of struggle. He was a good teacher, mentor and friend. I hope the grief felt by his family is filled by trusting God will the void in your life with rich memories and eternal hope. Becky Lantz Strack, class of 1975
Julia Davis
Carl was such a kind soul. He lit up a room. He will be missed.
MARTHA GUMMERMAN
Our sincere condolences to you…
Carl and I were English teachers at the same time at Bloomington High School. We cherished Carl as a friend. We socialized together after school hours. He was a positive, fun-loving man. Even after he and I left teaching, we met a few times while he was at 2nd Pres., and each time chatted as if we hadn’t left employment together–still friends. My husband and I are saddened by this loss.
Sandra K Parker
I was not a student of Carl Lauer’s but I was at BHS when he was still teaching. He was our Sr. Class Adviser. He was instrumental in giving upperclassman the ability to select from several English classes that were interesting to them, instead of a single curriculum. I remember taking Great American Authors, Creative Writing and Independent Thinkers. There had to be another one to equal 2 years but I can’t recall. He was always fun and smiling at school. A wonderful man gone too soon.