Irene "Shirley" Lauer

Irene (Shirley) Lauer, 86, of West Union, IA was called home by our Heavenly Father on November 15, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society, West Union, surrounded by family.

Shirley was born on November 25, 1938, in Randalia, IA to Elmer and Mildred (Daniels) Blue. Shirley was baptized and confirmed in the Methodist church in West Union. She graduated from North High on May 29, 1958.

Shirley was united in marriage to Russell Lauer on September 11, 1960. Six children were born to this union: Debbie, Gregory, Gary, Mark, Gerald, and David Lauer.

Shirley was a Breast Cancer survivor and also a heart attack survivor.

Shirley was a housewife, helped Russell in his business and worked at Heying Firms in West Union.

Shirley liked mowing and trimming lawns and had the cleanest garden in town. She enjoyed helping family members and spending time at the farm taking care of calves and kittens.

Survivors include daughter Debbie (Mike) Lorenz, of Des Moines, IA; Sons Gary Lauer of Randalia, IA; Mark (Barb) Lauer of West Union, IA; Gerald (Brenda) Lauer of Stanley, IA; David Lauer of West Union, IA; 16 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, sister Sharon Blue, and sister-in-laws: Barb Blue, Donna Blue and Velda Mae Lauer.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband Russell Lauer, parents Elmer and Mildred (Daniels) Blue, her in-laws Clarence and Clara (Buhmann) Lauer, son Gregory Lauer, and grandchildren Michael, Shawnee, Casi Lauer, and brothers Victoria Blue and Gerald (Jerry) Blue.

The family would like to thank the Good Samaritan Society and St. Croix Hospice for the care they gave our mother.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.