Charles Michael Lauerman

Charles “Chuck” passed away peacefully in his sleep and is now in “God’s pocket”, exactly where he wanted to be.

Chuck was born August 29, 1928 the third of three children, to Albert and Catherine Lauerman (Flynn) in San Francisco, California. When he was a toddler they moved to Red Lodge, Montana a small coal mining town in the Beartooth Mountains. Dad had a strong work ethic, having grown up on a dairy farm he learned at an early age to milk cows, put up hay and care for livestock. They later moved into town and lived above the fire station, Dad told stories about how the horses were trained to walk into the stalls at the sound of the bell and have the tack lowered onto their backs, ready to pull the fire truck. After graduating from Carbon County High School in 1946, he enlisted in the Navy. Upon his discharge he moved to Spokane to attend Gonzaga University. While there he received his business and economics degree, was a member of the Glee Club and met the love of his life, his wife of 58 years on a blind date. He married Shirley Robbins in 1951 and started a family. Together they raised eight children, four girls followed by four boys.

Dad was a meat cutter by profession. His skill and knowledge led him to work for Roundup grocery wholesalers for several years as a marketing and operations consultant for grocery stores throughout WA, ID and MT. In 1960 he opened Lauerman’s IGA, a grocery store that operated on the corner of Hawthorn and Division Street for more than 25 years. In business he was widely respected by his employees and customers for his honesty, fairness and hard work.

Dad’s passion was singing. His beautiful tenor voice gained him entrance into the Gonzaga Glee Club, and after college he joined SPEBSQSA (Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America) and sang lead in several quartets, most notably “The Yellow Jackets” and was a member of the Spokane Pages of Harmony chorus for over 50 years.

In all walks of life, Chuck exemplified integrity, generosity and a passion to serve others with a humble heart. He had an unwavering faith and love of the Lord. He was a member of St Thomas More Church and spent countless hours in the St Vincent de Paul food bank and with the community it serves.
Dad was fun to be with. His sense of humor and quick wit along with a genuine curiosity and kindness towards others drew people to him. His passing leaves an enormous void in our hearts, along with wonderful memories of his kindness and grace for everyone that knew him.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, and daughter Linda Bean. He is survived by children Marcia McDonald (Terry), Judy Klier, Teresa Riddle (Greg), Glen, Gary, Bruce (Charlotte) and Mark; 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Service will be held at St Thomas More Church. Rosary Vigil Sunday, July 17 at 5:00 pm. Funeral Mass Monday, July 18 at 10:00 am. There will be a reception following in the PAC Center of the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St Vincent de Paul Food Bank address: SVDP St. Thomas More, 505 W St. Thomas More Way, Spokane, WA 99208 or the charity of your choice.

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