Richard "Shorty" Lauer, age 82, of South Haven, died Tuesday, October 26, 2021.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 20, 2021, at St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church in St. Augusta with Fr. Matthew Crane as the Celebrant. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Gift of Life Transplant House in Rochester or to the Kidney Foundation.

Richard Valentine Lauer was born March 15, 1939, at home in rural St. Cloud, Minnesota to Edward and Alvina (Gau) Lauer. Shorty attended country school. On June 14, 1960, he was united in marriage to Sharon Rosha at St. Mary Help of Christians in St. Augusta, Minnesota. Soon after they built their home, Shorty was drafted into the United States Army. While serving, he and Sharon were stationed in Texas. Upon his discharge, they returned home to rural St. Cloud. They moved to a farm in Fairhaven Township in 1968. For over 30 years, Shorty worked as a union carpenter in addition to farming. He eventually stopped working construction, but continued to do what he truly loved, farming. He raised crops as well as beef and hogs. Shorty enjoyed attending various community events such as auctions and church dinners. He seemed to know someone no matter where he went. Shorty's pride and joy were his 6 grandchildren. He and his late wife, Sharon, treasured the time they were able to spend with them.

He is survived by his sons, Joel (Susan) of Clearwater, MN, and Todd (Jennifer) of Iron, MN; 6 grandchildren; Sarah, Rachel, Hannah, Emma, Abigail, and Benjamin; and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents, Edward and Alvina; and siblings, Margie, Elmer, Vera, Bebe, and Eugene.