Marie E Lauer

Marie Ellen (Rye) Lauer, 81, born in La Crosse, WI on July 12, 1930 to Bertha (Maas) and Henry Rye, passed away on January 24, 2012. Marie was the loving wife of William Lauer who, unexpectedly, died on January 20, 2012. During the past year, Marie received treatment for a rare and aggressive form of cancer. To all who knew her, she demonstrated strength, determination and continued interest and concern for her family and friends while undergoing surgery and therapies.



Marie and Bill had a partnership in their marriage, and shared the common interest of travel, cooking and eating good food, spending time with their families and socializing with their friends. Bill was Maries constant companion and caregiver during her illness. Both retained their sense of humor throughout this ordeal.

Marie was known for her artistic abilities both in dress and in decorating. She attended the Minneapolis Institute of Art and had a career in retail at Doerflingers and Herbergers Department Stores. During retirement she was a volunteer at the Onalaska Care Center and received recognition as Volunteer of the Year.

Maries caring and loving personality will sadly be missed by all of us.

She is survived by two brothers, Robert Rye and Thomas Rye, both in Onalaska, nieces Diane (Rodger) Bean of Onalaska, Suzanne (Chuck) Rodell, of St. Cloud, MN, Nancy Rye of Clayton, CA, Marye (Al) Harris of Onalaska, and one nephew David Rye (friend Ellen). Four step-children Michael Lauer of West Palm Beach, FL; Mary (Whitey) Bettcher of Dubuque, IA, Jean (Marion) Kresse of Ames, IA, Jim (Angela) Lauer of Dubuque, IA. Five grandchildren, Tricia Bettcher (Nathan Busch), William Kresse, Emily Kresse, Sarah Lauer and Tressa Lauer.She was preceded in death by her husband William, her parents, sisters-in-law Edna Rye and Nola Rye and brother-in-law John Lauer.

A memorial service will be held on May 19, 2012 at Bethel Lutheran Church. Final arrangements will be announced in May. Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Onalaska Care Center, Gundersen Lutheran Hospice or Bethel Lutheran Church, La Crosse.