Robert B. "Bob" Lauer

1929 - 2021

Robert B. "Bob" Lauer, 91, of Loomis, Neb. died Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at his home.

Bob was born March 12, 1929 in Custer County near Merna, 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 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 honorably discharged Feb. 1, 1953, at Atlanta, Ga.

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.
Nov. 22, 1993, Bob was united in marriage to Bernadine Carolyn Colbo in Lexington. The couple started living in Merna 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 wives Bernadine and Pauline.

Bob is survived by his two daughters Verba "Annie Jean" Lauer of Hot Springs, S.D. and Barbara Lauer of Broken Bow; one son Jerry Lauer of Loomis; grandchildren Christine Hilburn, Nathan Lauer, and Bobbie Jo Tucker; great-grandchild Quin Lauer; brother Richard Lauer of Davidson, Okla.; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, March 7, 1-3 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home, in Holdrege with the family present.
Funeral services will be Monday, March 8, 2021 at 11 a.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Loomis, Neb. with Pastor Tom Thompson officiating. Per family request, face coverings are preferred to attend.

Interment will be Tuesday, March 9 at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in rural Maxwell 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 their health, and that of the community.
The funeral service will be live streamed via the Loomis Evangelical Free Church Facebook page.

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.