Dennis Errol Lauer

Dennis Errol Lauer, age 86, passed away peacefully on Jan. 11, 2025, at St. Mary Hospital in Hobart, Indiana.

Born June 19, 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 La Porte 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 15, 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, Jan. 18, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1700 Monticello Park Drive, Valparaiso, Indiana, 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, Indiana.