Emily Lauer

Although the days in which she was given to compose her life’s song were far too few, Emily Lauer made a significant impact in the world around her. Whether it was her bubbly personality, her wonderful smile, or her artistic talent, she was the sort of person whom everyone seemed to know. Emily was also known for a little bit of spunk, as she wasn’t afraid to do things her own way. She had just the right amount of sheer determination to accomplish whatever she set her mind to. Family and friends were an important part of her life, and when she was surrounded by them, Emily truly shined. There will be a gaping hole in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory will never be forgotten.

The 1990s were a time unlike any other in American history as it was truly the electronic age. The World Wide Web was born in 1993, which introduced us to things like America Online, instant messaging, and Amazon. The booming economy led to a low unemployment rate, and with an increase in the minimum wage people had more money to spend on things like beanie babies. Amidst this exciting time a young couple from Paw Paw, Michigan, greeted 1995 with great excitement as they were anticipating the birth of their new baby. Their wait was over on March 12th when they welcomed their baby girl with much joy. Emily Rose was the older of two children born to her parents, Matthew and Linda (Shay) Lauer, and she was raised in the family home alongside her brother, Alex, who was two years younger.

Those who knew her understood that with Emily, there was never a dull moment. She was a drama queen right from the very beginning. Emily did everything early and did it with a sense of flair. When she started to walk, it was on her tippy toes; when she sucked her thumb only that special spot on her favorite "blankie" would do. She loved playing dress-up, watching Lilo and Stitch, and playing house with her Fisher Price kitchen set and all of her beloved babies. When she got her first big-girl bed she got a large chicken-shaped pillow, which she loved dearly and kept with her throughout the rest of her life. She and her brother Alex were like many typical siblings. They loved playing with Bionicles, Hot Wheels, and all things medieval together.

Emily loved camping with her immediate and extended family and frequently camped at places like Higgins Lake and Silver Lake Sand Dunes. She and her family were also very big into scouting. Emily became a Girl Scout in kindergarten stayed with it the way through graduation. Emily’s mother was her leader the entire time. As a troop they had many exciting adventures which included trips to Mackinac Island, Tahquamenon Falls, Toledo Zoo, Pictured Rock National Seashore, and Sleeping Bear National Dunes. When they went to Lansing, MI to celebrate the 95th Anniversary of U.S. Girl Scouting they had such a good time they decided they wanted to go to Washington, D.C. to celebrate the 100th year of Girl Scouting in 2012. The girls spent the next five years fundraising for the trip. They finally reached their goal and took the trip of their Scouting career – there were a total of 220,000 Girl Scouts in attendance. Their fundraising efforts were so successful, they earned more money than they needed and were able to take a cruise to Key West and Cozumel where they had the opportunity to do things like free diving, snorkeling, and site seeing. They even participated in a slot tournament on the boat where Emily won $500! Emily and her family also participated in the Jackson County Relay for Life every year from the time she was nine as a way to remember Emily’s grandmother, who died from cancer. The event became even more important to Emily and her family after her father passed away from cancer several years later.

When she was just a young girl it became apparent that Emily had many talents and gifts. She was always into art and loved drawing, which became a talent that she perfected as she got older. Emily attended Paw Paw schools where she excelled in her studies. In eighth grade she was awarded an incentive scholarship to Western Michigan University. Art continued to be a major form of expression for Emily. She particularly enjoyed anime and manga, Japanese forms of drawing cartoons, and one of her pieces was displayed in an art show at Whirlpool Headquarters. Emily’s artwork earned her a trip to the Business Professionals of America state conference where she competed in the logos portion of the competition. Her work was featured in other places as well. She created a logo for the Community Thrift Shop and did other designs for various departments at her school.

With a bright future as an accomplished artist at such a young age, Emily was thrilled to be a student at Gwen Frostic School of Art at Western Michigan University. She was excited to be in school and was working hard to reach her goal of being accepted into the graphic design program. She was hoping to one day become an animator or graphic designer.

Aside from her art, there were other things that Emily enjoyed. She was an avid bowler and entered many statewide tournaments. She was really into the Twilight series and enjoyed reading. As her friends and family can attest, Emily loved to shop. She also loved having her nails done and used her artistic talents to create a new look every week. Emily enjoyed baking and recently started broadening her tastes with international fare. She loved spending time with her younger nieces, nephews, and the younger children of extended family. Bubbie in particular always had a special place in her heart.

Described as loving, caring, and outgoing, Emily Lauer was a gift given to those around her for a short time. Her zest for life was contagious to others even when it was accompanied by her infamous “look” and attitude. Emily was a young woman full of promise with a set of goals that she was sure to achieve as she was one of the most determined people around. Her memory will remain forever near and dear to all our hearts.

Emily Rose Lauer died on October 13, 2013. Emily’s family includes her mother, Linda Lauer; brother, Alex Lauer; grandfather, Eugene Lauer; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Emily was preceded in death by her father, Matthew Lauer, in 2009. Learn more about Emily and visit with her family and friends on Wednesday from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler & Thompson-Paw Paw, 60900 M-40; 657-3870. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Fr. Jim Shaver, Celebrant. Please visit Emily’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign her online guestbook before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made for Alex’s Education Fund c/o Linda Lauer.