Eric Lauer of Camano Island, WA died at home from a long illness on May 8, 2024.

He leaves behind a legacy of humor, hard work and kindness. Eric was the kind of neighbor that would check on your house every week for the winter. The kind of boss that still has breakfast with former employees decades later. He was the kind of friend that lasts for decades. The kind of father that never missed a softball game or dance competition. The kind of grandfather that called himself "Papa Uber" and drove his grandchildren anywhere they wanted to go. The kind of uncle that wrote letters to his nieces from his dog after he moved across the country since they missed him so much.

Eric was born to Theodore Lauer and Anne Schoof on November 25, 1947 in Waterloo, IA. After a childhood growing up in a neighborhood full of aunts, uncles and many cousins he entered the University of Northern Iowa after high school. At a fraternity mixer one night in 1967 he met Kathrine Michael and said he knew immediately that she was the one. But that it would take her two extra weeks to figure it out.

Eric and Kathy would marry on June 21, 1969. Eric eventually graduated from Drake University and passed his CPA exam. He was proud of his career and worked his way up before finishing his career as the CFO of Nielson Brothers Carpet in Seattle, WA.

Eric was a deeply funny man with a dry sense of humor. He knew a little something about almost any topic – both of his daughters claim to have completed reports in school based entirely on conversations with him (and earned A's). He grew to love the Pacific Northwest after moving here and was an avid fisherman. He always wanted to channel his writing talent into a book but instead wrote epic Christmas letters each year.

Eric's legacy will be honored by his wife of nearly fifty-five years Kathrine Lauer of Camano Island, WA, daughter Abigail Lauer of Alachua, FL and daughter Elizabeth Lauer Reed of Stanwood, WA. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Ramona Reed, Theodore Domer and Frederick Reed.

In lieu of flowers any donations may be sent to Camano Lutheran Church 850 Heichel Road, Camano Island, WA 98282.