James H. Lauer

James H. Lauer, age 91, of Conneaut, passed away on March 20, 2023, at the Country Club Retirement Campus.

Jim was born on September 1, 1931, in Coupon, PA., the son of John A. and Blanch E. Harlin Lauer.

Jim was a 1950 graduate of Cresson High School.  He entered the United States Navy and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged. Jim worked on the railroad for a short time and then R.M.I. in Ashtabula for over 22 years. He also worked for the Pittsburgh & Conneaut Dock Company as a Foreman and later retired from the Credit Union as manager.

Jim was a member of Corpus Christi Parish, American Legion Cowle Post 151 and the V.F.W. For many years Jim served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher and volunteered at church, serving on various committees, and chairing many of those himself. Jim was Past President/ Treasurer of the Conneaut Optimist Club and volunteered many hours of his time for the community.

Jim was a former Councilman at Large, 4th Ward Councilman and President of Council for the City of Conneaut. He was very active in the community and was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother John A. Lauer, Jr., sister Blanch C. Dick, and son-in-law Eugene Bihlajama.

He is survived by his wife Mary Ellen Moser Lauer whom he married, November 14, 1953, son James and Ramona Lauer of Conneaut, daughter Cindy Bihlajama of Conneaut grandchildren Duane and Janie Burdick, Joel and Sarah Lauer, Tanya Burdick, Kristi and Jason Tharp, Tiffany and Kevin Kohlman, Carrissa and Lynda Bihlajama, Edward and Mary Bihlajama, Julie Bihlajama, Kyle and Julie Bihlajama, great grandchildren Jennifer, Aden, Ella, Alex, Olivia, Ryan, Ava, Jill, Aubrey, Kyle, Julie, Alexa and Liam, sisters Jane Cornuet of Conneaut and Joyce Swires of Ashville, PA.

Private calling hours will be held at the Raisian Funeral Home, 581 Harbor Street, Conneaut, where arrangement have been entrusted.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at St. Frances Cabrini Church, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut, with Father Philip Miller of Corpus Christi Parish officiating.

Entombment will follow at Greenlawn Memory Gardens, Route 20, N. Kingsville, Ohio, where the American Legion Honor Squad will conduct military honors.

Contributions in Jim's memory may be made to Corpus Christi Parish Memorial Fund, 744 Mill Street, Conneaut.  Envelopes are also available at the funeral home.

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