Richard Clarence Lautenschlager

Richard Clarence Lautenschlager, 89, of Fairbury, passed away on September 30th, 2025. He was born on March 25, 1936 in DeWitt, to parents Clarence & Bessie (Musil) Lautenschlager. He grew up and worked on the family farm in DeWitt while attending country school and graduating from DeWitt High School in 1954 where he participated in FFA & Football. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln for 1 year, completing his education remotely with Devry Institute of Technology. Richard proudly served in the Marine Corps for 6 years. He married Janet L. Shores on May 22nd, 1960. He was a bus mechanic and later the Transportation Supervisor for Fairbury Schools until his retirement in 2000. He was also active in various local organizations including the Fairbury Museum Board.
Richard is preceded in death by parents Clarence & Bessie, infant sister, daughter Pamela, son Kelly, & in-laws Chester & Louise Shores.
Survivors include wife Janet, daughters Denise Blatny (Tracy Senstock), & April Stone (Justin), granddaughter Shandi Brown (Spencer), & grandchildren Reese & Dalton Stone & Memphis, Layla, Leiani, Avalon, Indiana & Talia Brown.
Per Richard’s request, a private, family service will be scheduled at a later date.
A register book will be available for signing on Wednesday, October 8 from 9am-4pm at Gerdes Meyer Funeral Home.
Memorial funds will be donated to Homeless No More Cat Rescue in Fairbury per Richard’s wishes and may be sent to Gerdes Meyer Funeral Home, PO Box 15, Fairbury, NE 68352.
Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting the Lautenschlager family with arrangements, www.gerdesmeyerfh.com b



