LAUER, Josephine Marie

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1935 – 2022

Josephine Marie Lauer (née Bruch) went home to her Lord the Savior on February 26, 2022, at the age of 86.

Josephine “Jo” was born at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Saskatchewan on August 24, 1935, and was baptized in the hospital prior to going home to the family farm outside of Killaly.  She was a tomboy growing up on the farm, preferring to sling manure in the barn over washing floors in the house.  She attended her first day of school at Gelowitz Country School with her mother on a horse and buggy and thereafter walked two miles to the one-room school by herself until grade six when she was old enough to drive the horse and buggy.  She was a good athlete and won her fair share of medals and ribbons in track & field and softball.  Jo began working at the Bank of Montreal in Melville after graduating from St. Henry’s School in 1953.

On June 28, 1955, Jo was united in marriage to Wilfred Lauer, a grain buyer in Killaly.  Four boys were born in quick succession, Ralph in 1956, Andrew in 1957, Brian in 1959, and Allan in 1961, followed by three girls, Karen in 1963, Louise in 1964, and Brenda in 1969.  Life in Killaly with 7 children and no bathroom or running water provided many adventures.  Her parenting philosophy was simply to let the children work their troubles out for themselves whenever possible.  Her only real advice was “don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie” because the truth will catch up to you in the end.  Jo truly enjoyed raising 7 children and motherhood did not mean an end to her other interests.  Jo was very active in curling, bowling, playing and coaching softball, as well as instructing 4-H classes and volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary.  She also enjoyed the annual family vacation visiting the Lauer farm near Lake Lenore.

In September 1972, all belongings were loaded onto a 3-ton grain truck and the family moved from Killaly to Kelowna.  Here, Jo began her career working for Yamamoto Orchards, a career that spanned 30 years.  As the kids got older, she took on other odd jobs, such as delivering The Province newspaper and working for H&R Block preparing income tax returns.  In the early 1990s, she started her own income tax preparation business called J’s Tax Service.

In 2003, she sold J’s Tax Service and began a life of leisure, the golden years had arrived!  She took it easy and enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling, and spending time and taking trips with her dear new friend Lou Therrien who she met on a bus trip to Reno in 1996.  She also continued with income tax preparation from her home for numerous clients, something she enjoyed doing each spring right up until her passing.

Throughout her life, Jo was a dedicated parishioner of the Roman Catholic Church.  She faithfully attended St Pius X Catholic Church in Kelowna since 1972 and served in various volunteer capacities with the church.  She also performed extensive volunteer work as a member of the Pius Finance Council, the Catholic Women’s League, and the Society of Saint Vincent De Paul.

Jo was a friendly, gentle soul with a kind heart.  She was the matriarch of a very large, loving family, a role and responsibility that she relished and excelled at.  Her morals and ideals were contagious with all family members, which was reciprocated with extreme gratitude, respect and love.

Jo was predeceased by her father George Bruch (d. 1985), mother Katherine Bruch (née Golling – d. 1974), husband Wilfred (d. 1989), brother Adrian (d. 1993), grandson Bradley (d. 1977) and her special friend Lou (d. 2007).  She is survived by her 7 children, 18 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Jo used to say “I am happy as I can be in life but believe the true key to happiness is life after death.” Her belief has been fulfilled.  Jo’s grace and wisdom will persevere for all future family generations.

Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Pius Catholic Church, on Saturday, March 5, 2022, at 10:00 am (PST). Her urn will be interred at Lakeview Memorial Garden.  

If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service at www.youtube.com/channel/UCIEip2LhW1zTjzDaPNqKLDQ.

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