Memories of Bill

Bill has done a lot for me, and I can always feel his love when I am anywhere. I really miss the time when I was living with Bill and Imogene, at that time I was struggling with my study and they gave me huge support. I had peaceful and joyful time with the whole family, I still remember the days we eat dinner together with 20 people around the table, we play Uno games together with Miku, and we work on the house projects.  These precious memories come out one by one, and they are so fresh: I feel like I were still in Flagstaff yesterday.

An Ode to Billy Boy

Early on, William became Billy Boy since he had no middle name, unlike his twin, Betty Jane. He kept that name from infancy until he got big enough to assert that his name was Bill. He would get quite upset when we 3 older brothers called him Billy Boy but we soon tired of his outbursts and settled on Bill.

But we came close to losing both Billy Boy and Betty Jane. When they were about 6 months old, they were stricken with a pneumonia-like bronchial attack with extremely high fevers and the country doc visited every day, Of course this was before antibiotics or wonder drugs and he didn’t give them much chance to survive. But Dad was determined to save them. He hung wet bed sheets in a sort of tent over their cribs and stayed up around the clock heating Mentholatum in a spoon over a kerosene lamp and holding it under their noses so they could breathe. In my minds eye, it was at least 48 hours of crisis time until I heard a great shout from Mom and Dad--”The fever broke, the fever broke!!” I rushed in to find them smiling and cooing for the first time in a week!!

Growing up, when I could get him away from Betty, we played well together--we were good buddies. Up until about 5 years of age, he tended to be very serious, didn’t laugh a lot and was just sort of grumpy. I remember once when he was about 3, something set him off and he started crying and carrying on. The rest of us just sat and watched as he rubbed tears from his eyes and said, over and over, “no look atta me, no look atta me”

Bill and Betty were very close all through elementary and high school, always in the same classes. When they were in their teens, Bill took it upon himself to teach Betty how to drive. They got out on the dirt road and all went well on the straightaway but Betty tended to over steer and about a mile across the fields, she turned right too soon at the corner and ended up with the under carriage caught on the lip of the ditch and sat there, wheels spinning, until a kindly old farmer saw their predicament and unhitched his horses and pulled them back on the road. He asked what they were doing and Bill explained that he as teaching his sister how to drive. The old guy harumphed and allowed that she needed a better instructor.

Bill and I worked as farmers, side by side through the early 40’s. We pitched hay in those brutal 100 degree July days, we wielded machetes cutting incredibly tough Burdocks from the fence rows. With WW II looming and the draft in place, oldest brother Harold as called up in 1943. Lloyd and I were given agricultural deferments for the war effort. Lloyd then enlisted in the Air Corps and I enlisted in the Navy in early 1944, leaving the farm duties to Dad and Bill, a strapping young man of 18.

We managed to keep in close touch as or families were growing up. Carpentersville and Evanston saw many summer evenings together. With the move to Arizona, time and distance meant less time with my baby brother.

When Betty Jane left us, I wrote of her love of travel and that she was without doubt poking around in all the corners of God’s heaven--I am sure the good Lord is watching now as they explore God’s heaven together and that He will make sure that they don’t end up in the ditch with wheels spinning. Brother Bill was my good buddy and I’ll miss him so.

So long Billy Boy and God bless.

Thanksgiving 2012 – Bill Lauger

T Thanksgiving Day we remember and give thanks for the

H Hundreds of blessings that we have and continue to receive.

A And a blessing most treasured by a countless

N Number of persons, young and older, is having had the privileged of

K Knowing, even briefly, Bill Lauger -- a giant among men, a loving

S Spouse, father, grand parent, friend, and so much more.

G Giving generously of himself, he shared all he had to educate,

I Improve, grow, and instill his wisdom, caring, sharing, and love

V Vitalized by Imogene, the love of life of his life, Bill was moved and

I Inspired to achieve a love desired by all, achieved by too few.

N Now freed of his body’s feeble limitations, Bill watches, guides, and

G Gives us special blessings today and every day.

"And make us ever mindful of the needs of others." Bill and Imogene were angels on earth. They cared for their fellow human beings without regard for anything other that we were their fellow human beings.

If I have half the kindness towards others like them, I will consider myself a better person.

We will see you LATER! Hearty welcome to Illinois while making apple cider on an old fashioned press. Faithful in sunday School ministry at Grace, Lily Lake. Host for a family visit to Arizona. Wonderful shepherd for our son for a time of his wandering from the WAY. Hosts to an Illinois youth retreat with guidance and meals welcoming us along our journey. Shared meal during time of our Seminary Class Reunion at Sunwest. We were blessed by their visit to Gatlinburg and their touching base tour to visit friends. Had the privilege of sharing a last things ministry by e-mail as he puzzled the end of times. Loving caregiver of precious Imogene and sadly did not realize his hope to outlive her so that he might in love care for her to the end of their time together on earth. Peace be to Bill Lauger's memory. thanks be to God for the privilege of knowing and loving him. Shalom.

.........so many great stories to share....our tidbits are just the tip of that old proverbial iceberg.....my wife, Zhao Jie, and I had a chance encounter with Ann Ingram, via the PIE (Program in Intensive English) at NAU...she passed a phone number along to us......someone named "Bill Lauger"......I called the number before me.....and after introducing myself, (to a stranger, no less!) I hear some words that will never escape me....."How can we help you?".....that is just one lasting impression from "the house"....2029 North Talkington Drive..... I secured a teaching position at Monument Valley High School in Kayenta, AZ.......roughly 170 miles from Flag...this distance proved to be a major hassle as Jie moved forward with her degree at NAU, so this is where Bill and Imogene step in, with a house already filled to the gills (there is always room for just one more, right?) they found room for my wife in their RV parked out in front of their home. As I blasted off back to the rez, I could not help but feel a wee bit of trepidation......sure, these people sure did seem nice, BUTTT.....here I am dropping off my wife with what was in mind at the time, "total strangers".....what would my Chinese mother-in-law say if she knew what was going on.....my daughter living in an RV, (whatever that is) while husband is 170 miles in the opposite direction!......I tell you what...outside of marrying my wife, this turned out to be the best damn decision of my life. Our friendship with Bill and Imogene was sealed and only grew stronger because of us taking a "chance" (What a laugh!) on living with Bill and Imogene and all of the other lucky souls who have inhabited the house on 2029 North Talkington Drive! I promise I will shut up...soon! A year, or two later, Bill was out tending to his never ending list of errands, something Imogene referred to as "chasing", in his very unique 1967 Ford pickup, when who enters the house but our hero Bill and a tiny, 65 year-old Japanese woman intent on hitchhiking across the US! As far as I know, Bill spoke no Japanese, and she spoke no English, yet...like so many of us, Bill presented such a genuine concern and care about others, many time total strangers, that this woman felt comfortable enough to climb into that unique ride of his and let fate take her where it would....Upon arrival, there were several Japanese students at the house so she was able to converse with them and explain her situation..still, I find it very touching that she would step into a stranger's auto and..hope for the best. Well...we all know the end of this story....She could not have stumbled upon a better "stranger" than our beloved William Lauger....friend to all, lucky enough to cross paths with him. Thank you Bill and Imogene for not just talking about being a member of our community, but BEING a part of our community. Your impact upon our family and extended members knows no bounds!

We knew Bill and you during the early days of our careers and marriage when we lived in Elgin Illinois. Bill was Jim's incredible mentor when they both were employed for the Illinois Division of Highways (way back in the 1960's). We have fond memories of their warm hospitality as we dined together in their home near Wasco & St. Charles. Bill's and Imogene's caring ways gently soothed our early lives in that new to us location. We also recall Bill's innumerable projects around their home and in particular his unending efforts to restore an aging Model T truck. And all the ways they kept in touch with so many relatives and friends with visits and Christmas letters. And in particular their surprise stop at our home in Oregon (near Madison) WI some years ago. We've since followed their example of traveling around the US in our retirement. We will always treasure their loving goodness and mercies to us.

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Uncle Bill Lauger, one of the kindest and most gracious men to walk the face of the earth. As we men know, it is our wives that help mold us into what we are, and we know Aunt Imogene had a lot to do with that.

Living in Missouri, we didn't get an opportunity to see them very often. The rare times we got to visit with them were memorable in themselves just because of the warm and interesting personalities that they each possess. One of the most recent memories we have is when driving through Arizona, we stopped to see them at their home in Flagstaff. We were welcomed most graciously as if we were honored guests and enjoyed our time getting caught up with the happenings of our respective families. They would not let us leave without taking us for a meal. Uncle Bill said he knew a "place where they had good potato soup." I said that sounded like a good idea to me. While we ate at the 50's inspired diner, my wife asked them how they met. Their eyes lit up and you could tell they still loved the opportunity to tell their love story, and what a cool story it was. I think our greatest memory is of their faith and work for the kingdom of God, which inspires us to do better.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Imogene, and with the family & friends, who grieve the loss of such a great man.

Thank you for sending the touching poem, Bill's beautiful & touching farewell, and your sad news.

Rich and I met Bill and Imogene in Flagstaff Arizona during the summer 1992. My parents, Reverend Ray and Marion Hansen, were quite close with Bill and Imogene through their church, Shepherd of the Hills. It was my dad's last church before he retired. Afterwards, my parents moved to Monterey for semi retirement, but kept their home in Flagstaff for some time. They could not have done so without Bill's ongoing help. Mom often said that Bill could do just about anything and do it well and willingly. Over the years, Mom and Dad traveled back and forth for visits and they always treasured their time with their dear friends the Laugers. Those trips lasted until my dad began suffering from dementia and could no longer make the trip.

Honestly, Bill and Imogene were my parents' angels for so many years, the angels who watched over their home, and remembered them in prayers always. Bill even sold their Flagstaff home for them when they realized they would not be able to return to Flagstaff.

There was a short period of time when Mom and Dad's home was rented, first by some people who did not pay rent and did not take care of the home at all. Once they finally left, Bill was there to check things over and do some needed care taking. Later, Rich and I drove to Flagstaff from California with four of our mostly grown children and two very young grandchildren. We spent six days doing many home repairs, sorting and selling household items, and getting the house ready for future renters.

During our six very full days in Flagstaff, Bill and Imogene came every single day to help us, bring us food, invite us to dinner; just about any act of kindness one could ever imagine. It was so easy to see why my parents loved them so much... and I know that feeling was mutual.

After my dad passed away, Bill and Imogene would sometimes come to visit mom in California, and often kept in touch by phone. Mom always told me about their visits, the wonderful work they did for the church and college students in Arizona, and all of the love they shared with a everyone.

Mom told me they were two of the most loving people she ever knew, and she loved that she and Imogene shared the same birthday. When Imogene became ill, Bill would call my mom occasionally and always included Imogene on the other line.

After my mother passed away, I sent all the news and writings and copies of the old pictures of my parents to Bill. He called right away and shared his love and prayers. Shortly after that, Bill returned some paintings my mom had given to them as gifts. They had some value and he thought maybe we could sell them and put the money towards my mother's headstone. Thoughtful and giving to the end.

The picture you sent told the story of the forever love between Bill and Imogene. My prayers are for Imogene now as she surely misses his warmest love and comfort. But God is there for her, as are her children I am sure. Bill now is her angel watching over her from heaven, and I think waiting.

May all of your wonderful memories fill the so many sad places in your hearts. Arms of love are all around you.

I first met Bill in the late 1970’s when we attended the same Forest Service meetings. When Sally and I moved to Flagstaff in 1983 and attended Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church, Bill and Imogene volunteered to be our sponsors, a task they took seriously. They made sure that we felt welcomed in the church, but more than that they welcomed us into their family – a rather large family of siblings, children and grandchildren that visited from time to time, and in their home an extended family of live-in students.

We were soon invited to their home for meals. We were then invited to attend the NAU Choral Christmas Music concert as their guest, a pleasurable experience that we have repeated numerous times since. Years later they invited us to be their guests once again to enjoy the green chili burrito special at the Williams Pine Country Café. We still occasionally drive to Williams to enjoy that cuisine, always with fond memories of how that tradition got started. And yes, whether in their home or at a restaurant, Bill always ended the table grace with “and make us ever mindful of the needs of others”.

Bill seldom asked for help for himself, but he wasn’t particularly bashful about asking for help to help others. Our daughter and son-in-law (David) from New York lived briefly in Flagstaff about 20 years ago. They just spent Thanksgiving with us and David still remembers Bill. It seems that Bill had co-opted us to help with a patio project at a home for challenged adults. I had forgotten that project, but others I remember.

Bill had a favorite tree in the forest. It wasn’t a large tree, but it was unique. Apparently early in its life another tree fell on its top and bent it to the ground. Against all odds, a branch took over and became the tree, with a base in the shape of an “S” tipped over on its side. I think for Bill this tree symbolized the struggles of life, and how extending a helping hand can help individuals in time of need overcome the obstacles they face. Bill Lauger, and his loving wife Imogene, are among the most caring people that Sally and I have ever known.

It was with deep sorrow that I learned of Bill's passing. What a wonderful and generous man. I met Bill when he and I both worked the midnight shift at FMC in the 1980's. I worked in the lab and he was with the security department. He was so kind to me. We would sit and visit on our lunch hour and he told me all about his beautiful wife and family. I enjoyed all of his stories and all the wonderful work that he and his family did to help NAU students. I will always have a special place in my heart for the generosity and friendship that Bill shared with me. He was a wonderful man that God blessed with so much love for all around him. I will always think of him with a warm smile.

My memory of Pop goes back to the fall of 1988. I had been looking for a place to stay at the time while I was pursuing my master’s degree at NAU. A friend of mine was eager to help. One day he took me to 2029 N. Talkington for an “interview”. After a few minutes of chatting with the host and hostess, I became the first international student to be “admitted” to the Laugers’ house. Immediately after moving in, Bill and Imogene’s warm, loving, and gentle personalities made me feel that I found home again, though I was seven thousand miles away from my hometown Beijing, China.

Staying at Laugers’ home gave me a rare opportunity of getting to know Pop Bill. For those of us who had known Bill would all agree that he was one of the kindest, the most thoughtful, the most compassionate, and the most generous human beings. However, Pop could be “fussy” at times when it came to food. For example, how can someone on the earth do not like garlic? Well Pop did not like garlic. He would squeeze his nose with his hands and make a big frown when he heard that I was going to put garlic in Chinese food. But I was be able to trick him into eating garlic in dumpling sauce. Ha! Got you!

He also liked to make fun of you when you least expected it. One night when we were admiring the beautiful star-filled sky, he suddenly asked, “Do you have the same moon in China?” It took me a while to say “Of course”. This became a classic joke of me whenever I was introduced to a friend of his.

My most cherished memory was the day of June 2nd 1990, when Pop gave me away to wed my husband to be, Joel McMillin. When the wedding music began, he held my hand in his arm with ever fatherly gentleness and slowly walked me to the altar. I felt his happiness for me, yet melancholy as this meant I was leaving the Lauger household.

Though my marriage ended my stay at the Laugers’ home, our bond became ever stronger as they gained a new “son-in-law,” Joel, and the birth of daughter Jessica. He treated Jessica as his own granddaughter. When Joel and I had to go to China to attend a conference for 2 weeks, Pop volunteered with great eagerness to take care of 6 month-old Jessica. It warmed my heart when he told us of the great pride he took in presenting Jessica wherever they went.

After staying in Flagstaff for 9 years, we moved to Iowa and then South Dakota. Pop and Mom visited our home both in Iowa and South Dakota. We had wonderful time during their visits.

There were so many fond memories of Pop during the 25 years of our friendship. I’ve always admired his kindness and generosity toward everyone he met. Until my last visit with him, I came to realize what a courageous gentleman he was. Even in the face of terminal illness, he still kept his humor, his optimism, and his dignity. Though he is no longer with us, he left us with wealth of legacy. Dear Pop, you always have a special place in my heart for as long as I live.

Love you so much!

Bill will be missed by us. We will play a game of Mexican Train in his honor. Generous, loving, strong are certainly adjectives that I would use to describe Bill. His final tribute is a testament to his quiet acceptance of life and beyond.

Anita adds that the whole world was his family.

Thank you for the opportunity to share a few memories of my Uncle Bill.

As one of the older nieces, I have many good memories of the Lauger Family gatherings. My most vivid memories revolve around the Lauger home near Lily Lake, Illinois. The Lloyd Laugers visited Uncle Bill and Aunt Imo often. I remember wonderful dinners in the large dining room with lots of conversation and joyful laughter. There were ten cousins which contributed to the joy—Linda, Richard, Karl, Mark, Paul, and Roger joined Melinda, Ross, John, and Charles. I remember the playroom just off the living room where little boys met for serious play. The atmosphere of those visits revolved around Uncle Bill with the twinkle in his eye and Aunt Imo’s welcoming warmth.

I felt privileged to babysit my cousins several times in the Lily Lake location. Uncle Bill would drive to Sugar Grove, spend the evening out with Aunt Imo, and then drive me home again. I always enjoyed our conversations in the car—seemed like such a long ways to drive for a babysitter, but I felt pretty important to be chosen as the Lauger babysitter.

After Uncle Bill and Aunt Imo moved to Arizona, we saw them less. We did celebrate a Lauger reunion in Flagstaff in the 1980s. So many of us traveled to be together that weekend. We had a wonderful time—cousins reunited, shared memories, played games, ate delicious food, and worshipped on Sunday at Bill and Imo’s church. I specifically remember an amazing breakfast quiche with Uncle Bill in the kitchen assisting with that meal and every other one too.

Perhaps the times I remember most recently, were Uncle Bill and Aunt Imo visiting Skip and I in Iowa. They arrived in their motorhome, took us out for dinner (no Maid-Rites in Eldora), and shared their family news. We had serious spiritual conversations with both guests—heaven, the end times, and Henry Blackaby’s Bible study “Experiencing God.” We shared the same faith in a God who is faithful to all generations. On another visit to Humboldt, I remember seeing Bill and Imo again at Paul Lauger’s home. We attended church together, had a potluck meal, and who was in the kitchen washing dishes afterwards?—Uncle Bill and Aunt Imo.

As you can tell, my memories of Uncle Bill always involve Aunt Imo. They were a team and they were a blessing to so many. Skip and I were blessed to know and love them, but today we celebrate Bill’s home-going and we pray for Aunt Imo who remains.