Bernice Irene Lauer, 96, of Columbia City, died peacefully at her home at 5:30 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2022.

Born on May 24, 1926, in Whitley County, Indiana, she was a daughter of the late Charles Kasper Lang and Louise (Elflein) Lang. Growing up in Jefferson Twp., Whitley County, she graduated from Jefferson Center High School.

On June 17, 1944, she married Merritt L. Lauer. They made their first home in Jefferson Twp.  In 1951, they moved to a farm in Union Twp.  Merritt died on January 1, 1995.

A farmer's wife and full-time homemaker raising the couple's two children, she also belonged to Hope Lutheran Church and the Rebekahs Lodge in Laud.

Surviving are her two children, Wayne (Gail) Lauer of Florida and Karen (Jimmy) Bower of Columbia City; six grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Additionally, she was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Lang; and three great-granddaughters.

A graveside service will be held at Union Twp. Cemetery, Coesse at 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 27 ^th .  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

Memorials in Bernice's honor are to Parkview Home Health and Hospice.