ELKHART -- Walter A. Lauer, 93, of Elkhart and Naples, Fla., died at 2:45 a.m. Saturday (Feb. 21, 2009) in his home at Beardsley House.

He was born Jan. 28, 1916, in Elkhart to Bernard and Anna (Lynette) Lauer. He met Marry L. LaRocque in elementary school and later married her in 1940. She died Feb. 3, 2003.

Mr. Lauer is survived by one son, Thomas (Judy) Lauer of Elkhart; two daughters, Kathleen (Robert) Binkley of Niles, Mich., and Laurie (husband, Robert Cripe) Lauer of Elkhart; 11 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Mary F. Lauer of South Bend.

Three children, Michael and David W. Lauer and Mary Anne Langley, preceded him in death.

Mr. Lauer split almost 30 years dividing his time between two states. In Indiana, he enjoyed gardening and building homemade kites and picnic tables, leading chariot rides along Christiana Creek and entertaining in his back property with yard darts, playing Frisbee and making bonfires under the glow of his wine-bottle lights.

In Florida, he enjoyed nature, entertaining, swimming and playing poker. He had been a foreman at Whitehall and CTS and was a graduate of Elkhart High School. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Private family visitation has taken place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart. Friends may call one hour prior to the 11 a.m. Tuesday memorial Mass at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. The Rev. Bill Sullivan will officiate. Cremation has taken place and burial will be at a later date in St. Vincent Cemetery, Elkhart.

Memorials may be given to the National Wildlife Federation, 11100 Wildlife Center Drive, Reston, VA 20190 or Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 C.R. 19, Bristol, IN 46517. Visit www.billingsfuneralhome.com to send online condolences.