John Donald Lauer, M.D.
Husband, father, Opa and great-grandfather to his family, departed this life in the grace of the Sacraments, at age 94. John passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025. He was born June 11, 1931 in Alton, IL to John W. and Eleanore (Klinke) Lauer. He is preceded in death by his wife Carrol Jean Lauer; and his four sisters: Rosemary Manns, Jean Springman, Jaqueline Fleisher, and Carol Breyfogle.
He was the father of five children: John (Yan Xu) Lauer, Julia (Henry) Osborne, Janice Lauer, Jennifer (Steve) Tanner, and Jean (Steve Smith) Lauer; the grandfather of: Emma and Erich Lauer, Michelle and Amy Wang; John, Tess, Lucy, and Bob Osborne; Katie Palozola, Nonie Brotherton, and Buddy Palozola; Alex and Adam Tanner; and Wren Petersen and Wesley, Loren, Lua and Lucas Smith; and the great-grandfather of seven.
John married Carrol in 1955, and they spent 62 years together before she passed away in 2018. John received his M.D. from St. Louis University in 1956. He was a resident at the Mayo Clinic from 1960-1963, and he practiced radiology for 29 years.
He served as a Captain in the United States Airforce, and in the late 1950’s lived with his family in Ramstein, Germany.
A man of insatiable curiosity and boundless enthusiasm for life, he was rarely without a new pursuit or adventure. Over the years, he found joy in scuba diving, skiing, beer brewing, photography, cycling, swimming, reading, and meditation, each reflecting his appreciation for both movement and mindfulness. His mind was as active as his body, forever exploring, tinkering, and learning.
Services: A Funeral Mass will be held on November 21, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Clement of Rome Catholic Church, 1510 Bopp Road, Des Peres, Missouri. The interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to John Carroll University or St. Louis University School of Medicine.
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Jodi Richards says
November 20, 2025 at 11:39 amI knew John because he lived on the same floor of Aberdeen as my mom and because he had a cat. We also love cats. I left a cat placard by his doorknob and he hung it on the door. One time his cat got out into the hallway (I almost think it was intentional . . . ). The attendant was telling him his cat couldn’t be in the hall and he said, “I’m going to Paris!”. I said, “Paris, Missouri?”. He said, “No, Paris, France!”. Later, I left his cat a toy and treats for their ‘trip’ to Paris. I hope his cat has found a loving new home. I’m very sorry for your loss; I’m sure you are left with many tales of his adventurous life. I didn’t know him well but I will always have remember him.
mark larson says
November 8, 2025 at 6:59 pmBlessings to you and your family. I met John the first time while in college at Kansas State with his daughter Julia. I was impressed with his dedication to family. Gods speed and love to your family.