Norman Lee Lauer, age 73, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 21, 2025, at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Stoughton. Norman was born on October 21, 1952, to Willis and Virginia (Godfrey) Lauer in Edgerton, WI.
Norman (“Norm”) cared for and loved others with deep generosity. His ability to strike up a conversation with almost anyone was rooted in his joy in human connection. He was good-natured and had an excellent sense of humor, no matter the circumstances.
After graduating from Whitewater High School, Norm built the dairy operation on the family farm in Milton, WI. He cared deeply for the well-being of the animals and approached farming with careful planning and strategy, even within an unpredictable market and economy. His four children grew up surrounded by the same strong agricultural communities of his youth, including Rock County 4-H and the Whitewater FFA program. Through his example, he cultivated in his children a thirst for knowledge, a desire to care for others, and a commitment to being stewards of the land.
Norm was generous and thought of all youth in the agricultural community as his own. He showed his support through active participation in the Whitewater FFA Alumni as a lifetime member, especially through the annual FFA toy show. The county fair was always a familiar place to find Norm—first as a young boy showing his well-cared-for beef cattle, later supporting his own children’s projects, and in recent decades contributing generous bids for community youth and his grandchildren’s animals at fair auctions.
His community and neighbors were the fabric of his life. “I have everything I need right here” was a common phrase from Norm. He frequently stopped by to socialize and connect with neighbors, sharing news of both joys and challenges.
After more than 40 years of farming, Norm joined the NASCO family, where he connected with co-workers almost immediately. His favorite season was fall, when he looked forward to celebrating his birthday along with the turning of the leaves. Dreaming up his annual Halloween costumes—such as the “Sun-Maid Raisin Girl,” “Shrek,” or “Uncle Fester”—gave him a creative outlet he had enjoyed since childhood.
Norm spent countless hours maintaining the farm and nurtured his love for nature through stewardship of the land. Together with his brother-in-law, he planted hundreds of trees. He cherished time outdoors—whether “checking on the land” or spending time in the woods during deer hunting season. Being in nature brought him a deep sense of peace.
Norm is survived by his three children: Lee Ann (Rocky) Klitzke, William (Rebekah) Lauer, and Elizabeth (Ross) White; his siblings: Rod (Patsy) Lauer and Laurie (Bill) Garbe; his brother-in-law: Lee (Rita) Arnold; and nine grandchildren: Ezekiel, Elizabeth, Ben, Annika, Amelia, Audrey, Josiah, Lilyana, and John. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Virginia Lauer; his sister, Christine Arnold; and his son, Timothy Lauer.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services in Milton with Pastor Sam Massey officiating. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow immediately at Milton East Cemetery. Memorial contributions are preferred to Whitewater FFA Alumni and Supporters. Albrecht Funeral Homes & Cremation Services is assisting the family.
For online condolences and guestbook, please visit www.albrechtfuneralhomes.com.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and providers at Skaalen Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Agrace Hospice, and UW Health.
