Lima

HAROLD E. "DUTCH" LAUER, DDS, 84, died April 2, 2004, in Richmond, Va.

He was born Aug. 17, 1919, in Delaware County, Ohio, to Herbert A. and Cloa Lehner Lauer, who preceded him in death.  He married Ann R. Lauer, who survives.

Dr. Lauer was the first orthodontist in Lima, where he practiced until his retirement in 1989.  He was an active member of many professional, alumni and community organizations, including St. Luke's Lutheran Church, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275, and the Lima Rotary Club.

He graduated from Waldo High School, Waldo, in 1937, and from The Ohio State University School of Pharmacy in 1941.  He was commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Army and served with the 17th Field Artillery during World War II.  He fought in Sicily, North Africa and Europe and served with the Army of Occupation in Germany, attaining the rank of major.  He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor during the Battle of el Guettar.

After the war, he graduated from Ohio State's School of Dentistry in 1950 and The Graduate School of Orthodontics in 1951.  He was an avid fisherman, sportsman and gardener, with a partiality for roses.

Survivors also include three sons, Andrew (Diane) Lauer, John Lauer and Herbert (Karlyn) Lauer, all of Lima; a daughter, Annette (Philip) Lang of Noblesville, Ind.; two stepdaughters, Trish Nunley and Julie Nunley, both of Richmond, Va.; a sister, Lucile Carey of Marion; and five grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a brother, Bernard Lauer, M.D., of Marion.

A memorial service will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. The Rev. Arthur Wilde will officiate.

Inurnment will be at 3 p.m. June 9, 2004, at Arlington National Cemetery, with full military honors.

Friends may call one hour prior to the memorial service at the church Saturday, and one hour after the service at the Elks Club.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District, 2355 Ada Road, Lima, OH 45805