John Conrad Lauterbach

John Conrad Lauterbach (AKA John L, Uncle Johnny, Manny, and Papa Lautti) was born July 18, 1942, to Elden Claire (E.C.) Lauterbach and Irene Saunders Lauterbach in Akron, Ohio. His family moved to California when he was a young boy. John spent his early years in San Francisco, but his formative and adult life in Long Beach, California. During his teenage years he attended Wilson High School and was a member of the exclusive car club - the "Cut Outs". John admired his dad, E.C., so much that he followed in his footsteps and became a very successful car salesman until his retirement. John L was acknowledged and decorated as the #1 car dealer in the country for many years. John had many beloved "A-list" clients who loyally came to him for years for an experience which included laughter, private shoeshine and a cold beer while working out a deal. He made life-long friends working at places such as Felix Chevrolet, Gledhill Chevrolet, Newport Auto Center, Massey Cadillac, and Boulevard Cadillac.

John married Louise Lee Baker in 1978 and together combined and raised an amazing family. Christopher Mahurin and Stephanie (Lauterbach) Olson became brother and sister and forever friends and college classmates with this union. John and Louise had two sons together, Jonathan Lauterbach and Cody Lauterbach. John's not so humble brag was always his children and grandchildren, whom he would talk about to anyone who would listen. He was incredibly proud of them. In fact, one could argue that outside of the L.A. Lakers his family was the single most important thing to him. John was affectionately known by his children as their "hero" and grandchildren as "Papa Lautti." He always made sure that everyone was taken care of, even in his final days.

John L literally made friends EVERYWHERE he went. He had a gift of making everyone in his presence feel important and loved, even complete strangers. His countless friends who were not directly related to John, were dear to his heart and always considered family. Being around John L was always a special experience and was filled with never ending good times. John L was truly larger than life and lived each and every moment as if it was his last.

He passed away April 15, 2022 with his family by his side, after a brief illness. Now, his cherished family is left to reminisce, tell stories, and try to live life to the fullest, because you never know....

John was preceded in death by his parents E.C. and Irene, his brother Buddy Lauterbach, and his sister Carol (Lauterbach) Leyden. He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Louise Lauterbach, his brother, Elden Lauterbach (Maureen), his sister Jerri Lee Winner (Don), his children Stephanie Olson (Erik), Christopher Mahurin (Marlene), Jonathan Lauterbach, Cody Lauterbach (Ashley), plus all his beautiful grandchildren: Riley, Ethan, Grace, Mia, Meadow, Troy, Dylan, Harper, Nixon, Laya and Grayson. He also leaves behind several nephews who absolutely adored him: Bill Leyden (Jacqueline), Ian Winner (Lisa), Jon Michael Winner, Kevin Lauterbach (Jessica) and Ryan Lauterbach (Sophia). Lastly, John L would not want any of us to be sad and would instead want us to celebrate a life WELL-LIVED.

Celebration of Life for John Lauterbach Sunday, July 17th @ 3 pm Panama Joe's 5100 2nd St., Long Beach, CA 90803

**Family is collecting photos of John, please upload them at: dropevent.com/JohnL or email to JohnL@dropevent.com