Richard Lauber
Richard Lauber, loving brother, husband, father and grandfather passed away on October 3, 2021. Richard was born to Fritz and Laverne Lauber in Wheaton, Minnesota in 1943 and resided in Matlacha, Florida.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife, Beverly Lauber, and son, Shane Lauber (**see below). He is survived by his sister Lula Bell (Michael), his daughter Nicole Lauber McQuade and his loving grandchildren Alexis, Brendon, Madison and Haydon.
Rich was a great singer, dancer, and storyteller. He was a great employer, friend, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He joined the Navy in 1959. While stationed at Kingsville NAS, he met his future wife and lifelong soulmate. They met on New Year’s Eve in 1960 in Victoria, Texas. They were engaged to be married on Valentine’s Day and married on April 28, 1961. They shared over 50 glorious years together.
They started their married life in Texas where he became an honorary Texan. Texas would always be in his heart. On a trip to Minnesota, he took a chance and ended up starting a new job in a restaurant named Embers. There he volunteered in the Optimist Club, Rotary Club and many other charity organizations in St Cloud along with his wife, Bev. He had a magnetic personality, and together, they were able to start a wonderful business together.
Later, they would load up the family and move to Florida to sail on the open waters and start their own restaurant business.
Rich was the proud owner of the Mariner’s Inn North Fort Myers and Sandy Hook Fish and Rib House in Matlacha, Florida. He was a hardworking man fixing, repairing and building almost everything he could. He was loved by his employees.
Rich and Bev later joined the Royal Palm Yacht Club, where he quickly became “The Commadore” with his “First Mate For Life”. They were able to cruise the seas until Bev became ill. At that point they became landlubbers and helped raise their wonderful grandchildren. Eventually, Rich took on the role of caretaker and supporter of his wife Bev until her passing in December of 2015.
Rich left this earth surrounded by his loving family singing “Jesus Loves Me”. Rich is now enjoying eternal peace with Bev, Shane and his parents in the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Rich’s viewing will be held on Friday, October 15th from 6-8pm at Coral Ridge Funeral Home on Pine island Rd. Masks are optional. Please visit their website for more information. The services will be held at Pine Island Methodist Church on Saturday, October 16th at 10am. The service will also be available for viewing on the church’s Facebook page.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association, Hope Hospice of Florida, or the Pine Island Methodist Church in Rich’s name.
“Born in Minnesota. Heart in Texas!”
**For those who were not aware, Shane Lauber recently passed away on July 25, 2021. His life was cut short way too soon. He is survived by his beautiful daughters Alexis and Madison, along with Jamie and her son Matthew.