Donald J. Lauer

Donald J. Lauer, 62, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away on Monday, May 5, 2025.

Born on December 6, 1962, in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Don was a graduate of Bishop Dwenger High School and IPFW. His life was defined by a deep commitment to service, family, faith, and community.

He began his career at the DeKalb County Jail, where he worked for two years before moving to Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, to serve on its police force. Don and his wife Julie eventually returned to Auburn, where he rejoined the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department as a patrolman and later as a detective. His dedication and leadership led him to be elected Sheriff of DeKalb County, a position he held with honor from 2011 to 2018.

A man of strong faith, Don was a devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus Council 9186. He gave of his time generously, volunteering for Catholic Charities, taking communion to residents of local nursing homes, and spending hours in prayer at the church’s Adoration Chapel.

Family was at the heart of Don’s life.  He cherished times with his loved ones, especially playing and reading countless books with his grandsons, spending time with his daughters, and enjoying time at the lake with his wife and their loyal black lab, Tucker.

One of his most treasured traditions was the annual family vacation to Charleston, South Carolina, a place full of special memories. He also found joy in simple pleasures, particularly conversations over coffee with close friends.

He is survived by his loving wife, Julie Lauer of Auburn; daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Evan Mower of Fort Wayne, and Anna and Austin Haselhorst of Noblesville; and grandsons, Russell and Jonathan Haselhorst. Also surviving are his sister and brother-in-law, Debbie and Langdon Adams of Fort Wayne.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Grace Lauer; his mother, Della Lauer; father, Donald F. Lauer; step-mother, Barb Lauer; and his sister, Michele Higgins.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 9, 2025, from 12–3:30 p.m. and 5–8 p.m. at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn. A Recital of the Rosary will take place at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 500 E. Seventh Street, Auburn, with visitation one hour prior. Burial will follow at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Women’s Care Center; NEI (Northeast Indiana) or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.pinningtonfh.com.

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