Norma Lou (Buehner) Lauer gained her angel wings on Sunday, October 25, 2026. She was born on May 29, 1931, to Edwin and Elsie (Holbein) Hueftle. She was baptized at the United Methodist Church in Eustis, where she remained a long time member before moving to Gothenburg and joining Trinity Lutheran Church. Norma attended Eustis Public School and graduated in 1948.

On March 18, 1951, she married Raymond Buehner at the United Methodist Church in Eustis. Together, they raised four children—Sharon, Gary, Barb, and Gerald—on their farm and ranch northwest of Eustis. Raymond passed away in March 1998. In July 2003, Norma married Roland Lauer, welcoming four more children, along with their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, into her family.

Norma was a busy farm wife and mother who lovingly balanced cooking, baking, gardening, and raising four adventurous children. She was active in her church, serving on committees, teaching Sunday School, and playing the piano for both the children’s and adult choirs. She was a charter member of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was also a 4-H leader and a lifelong member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Norma had a special gift for making people feel loved through the food she prepared and the traditions she kept. Every Christmas, she baked dozens and dozens of cookies to share with family and neighbors. Her refrigerator always held colorful containers of frosting left over from the many birthday and wedding cakes she made, perfect for decorating graham cracker cookies. You could often find German sausage ready for a delicious sandwich or homemade filled noodles tucked away in the freezer for the grandkids. She always kept a stash of Lebkuchen in the freezer and was known for making the very best pitcher of iced tea.

Norma also had a special way of keeping little ones entertained. She loved folding Kleenex into dolls at church to keep little girls quiet. She taught a whole generation how to “color in the lines” using tiny circles and read The Little Red Hen to children and grandchildren alike. Norma was the original pie maker of Eustis! During the county fair, she would prepare more than 20 pies a day for the American Legion stand, while also filling special orders for her fresh strawberry and banana dream pies. Sunday dinners, whether at the farm or later in town, were a cherished tradition. There was always a punch bowl set up for the grandkids and, of course, special desserts to finish the meal. Norma treasured these visits and the time spent with her family. Through her love of family, cooking, and hard work, she instilled those same values in the generations that followed her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Raymond; her sons, Gary and Gerald; her brother, Duane Hueftle; her sister, Charlene Schurr; sisters-in-law, Dorothy (Dean) Weissert, Lorene (Lenard) Easterday and Irene Easterday; and her granddaughter-in-law, Jenna.

She is survived by her husband, Roland; her daughters, Sharon (Roger) Bryant of Curtis and Barb (Dave) Margritz of Lexington; and her grandchildren: Shane (Sabrina) Bryant, Justin Smallfoot, Jill Ell, Becky (Dana) Dishman, Angela (Patrick) McKee, Josh (Sandy) Margritz, Nicholas (Dawn) McPheron, Chris (Lindsay) Buehner, Katie (Erik) Niver, and Amanda (Andy) Barner. She is also survived by 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Other survivors include her brother, Lynn (Marilyn) Hueftle; her daughter-in-law, Laura Buehner; her sister-in-law, Dorsie Hueftle; and all of the Lauer children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Norma will be lovingly remembered for her generous heart, her delicious home cooking, her unwavering work ethic, and the family traditions she created and passed down. Her love will live on in the many lives she touched, the memories shared around her table, and the generations who will continue to cherish her legacy.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Eustis Methodist Church. Burial will follow at East Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be Thursday, October 29, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Eustis Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, Eustis Methodist Church or donor's choice.

Berryman Funeral Home