Darrell Lauer

Darrell Lauer, 76, passed away on October 25, 2026.

Darrell was born on July 9, 1950, to Melvin and Doris (Broeckel) Lauer and was raised on a farm near McClusky, North Dakota. Growing up on the farm he learned the value of hard work. Darrell graduated from McClusky High School in 1968 and also went to Wahpeton State School of Science and received his auto mechanic certificate, although he was self- taught from the farm, always being mechanically inclined.

On April 2, 1971, Darrell married Norma Jean Folmer. Together they had two children, Stephanie and Bradley. They shared a love of bowling and spent countless hours traveling to tournaments and enjoying time together.

After briefly working in construction, Darrell founded Lauer Auto Repair in 1975. Through decades of dedication, he built both a successful business and a reputation for integrity.

Never one to sit still, Darrell later partnered with his brother Keith to start Garbage Plus in November 1992, providing commercial sanitation services. For many years he worked seven days a week, driven by an unmatched work ethic and commitment.

Darrell helped care for his former son-in-law, Randy Barth, during Randy’s battle with Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis. With Darrell’s daily assistance, Randy was able to remain in his home for several additional years before eventually moving to St. Gabriel’s. Whether it was being a caregiver, running the carpool for grandkids, or helping check on pets, those are examples of the many quiet ways Darrell showed his love for family.

After selling the Garbage Plus business in September 2010, Darrell devoted much of his time to caring for his wife, Norma, through her health challenges, giving her his own kidney in April 2003. Norma passed away in 2017.

In his free time, Darrell enjoyed fishing and playing pinochle with friends. Following Norma’s passing, he spent many afternoons and evenings at Marlin’s Truck Stop and The Eagles Club, places where he enjoyed good company, cards, and conversation.

Darrell enjoyed visits from his sisters, Melva and LeAnne, who would come to town and stay with him for days at a time. Above all else, he was proud of his children and grandchildren. He also deeply missed Norma Jean following her passing and carried her memory with him every day.

You would be hard-pressed to find a person with a bigger heart than Darrell. He would quite literally give the shirt off his back to help a family member or friend. In recent years, Darrell faced the realities of aging with the same determination and stubborn independence that guided him throughout his life. Having spent decades caring for others and solving problems himself, he valued self-reliance and dignity above all else. Though he faced health concerns, his greatest wish was to remain independent and never become a burden to those he loved.

Darrell is survived by his daughter, Stephanie (Chris) Sievert; his son, Bradley (Tammy) Lauer; his grandchildren, Kierra, Isaac, and Macy Barth, and Leia Lauer; his sisters, Melva Kramlich and LeAnne Schlafman; his brother, Keith (Brenda) Lauer; and his brothers and sisters-in-law Linda (Bob) Bucholz, Versie (Randy) Rau, Joey (Steve) Harrington, Kevin (Deb) Folmer, Christie Leno, and Steve (Heather) Folmer, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Lauer; his parents, Melvin and Doris Lauer; his parents in-law, John and Violet Folmer; his brother, Kevin Lauer; his brothers- and sisters-in-law, Jerry Kramlich, Gerald Schlafman, Candy Lauer, and Sharon Brusven; and his former son-in-law, Randy Barth.

In keeping with Darrell’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A private family prayer service and burial will take place on October 31, 2026. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Darrell’s life at a Celebration of Life on Friday, November 27, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at The Eagles Club.

Darrell will be remembered for his tireless work ethic, honesty, generous spirit, and the many lives he touched through simple acts of helping others.