David Lauer

David Lauer, 54, of Chicago passed away August 27, 2023 at home.  Born July 7, 1969, in Dixon, Illinois, the son of Donna Kilgore Hersh and Michael Eugene Lauer.  David graduated from Mt. Morris High School, Class of 1987.  He also attended the University of Kansas, Harvard and DePaul.  David served in the United States Navy from 1991-1994. 

The high point of David’s career was working for a company owned by his Navy Commander, Grassroots
Leadership, which involved traveling and living in many exciting places, including Boston, Florida, and
the Washington, DC area. But David was always an entrepreneur at heart. He worked many years
designing home additions, home and office remodels, and decks. He was not just the designer but loved
doing the work as well. He worked side by side with his brother John on many of these projects. David
was very detail-oriented, which enhanced the quality of every job he did.

David was an avid sports enthusiast. He loved anything that involved an adrenaline rush and would
never turn down a dare, from cliff- and skydiving, to skiing, knee-boarding, and biking. He treasured the
camaraderie of golfing, including the annual tradition of the “best day of the year” around the 4 th of July:
a 2-on-2 with Dave Gerdes, John Lauer, and Andy Newman. David will be remembered most for
spending time with his children, family, and friends. During his Navy years, one of his favorite memories
was going on the famous “Tiger Cruise” from Hawaii to San Diego with his father. Even as a little boy, he
loved to draw and sketch. His creativity and skill as an artist were evident in his surroundings.
:
David (Chow) was adept at making people feel important. When in a conversation with him, you KNEW
he was listening and concerned with your situation. His charm and charisma followed him everywhere.
He always aimed for perfection himself and encouraged everyone to do their best. He and his life-long
friend David Gerdes (Gerdie) went on countless adventures; and, between the two of them, they drew

the largest crowd, wherever they went! Everyone loved Chow. We will miss him because he left us too
soon. But he left us with memories of his genuine kindness, beautiful, dimpled smile, and his two
amazing children: Jared and Sophie. They carry on with so many of his qualities and skills.

Predeceased by:
Grandparents, Amos and Neva Kilgore and Harold and Mabel Lauer
Stepmother, Rebecca Ludwig

Survived by:
His children: Jared Lauer of Platteville, Wisconsin and Sophie Lauer of Chicago, Illinois
Parents: Michael & Kris Lauer of Rockford, Illinois and Joel & Donna Hersh of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Siblings:
Jason Lauer & Jennifer Files of Stillman Valley, Illinois
John & Amy Lauer of Ashton, Illinois
Zac Lauer & Cindy Gildea of Stillman Valley, Illinois
Chris & Julie Strawbridge of High Point, North Carolina
Jonathan Fortney
Nieces and Nephews:
Camryn, Kinsey, and Carsyn Lauer of Monroe Center, Illinois
Neva, Sam, Erin, and Sean Lauer of Ashton, Illinois
Morgan Winebaugh of Stillman Valley, Illinois
Jacqueline Fortney of Marshall, Missouri

Services:
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Mt. Morris Moose Club on Saturday, September 2 from 12 -3
pm.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to John & Amy Lauer (2140 Reynolds Road, Ashton, Illinois
61006) and they will distribute it to the appropriate places.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David Lauer, please visit our floral store.