Louis Lauver

Louis Lauver, born Luis Perfecto Cabrera Santiago, 87, of Brickerville, passed into the loving arms of his saviour on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at his home with his wife by his side. He was the husband of Miriam Gonzalez Lauver.

Louis was born at home in La Plata, Aibonito, Puerto Rico to Maria Santiago and Zoilo Cabrera. As a young boy, Louis got to know the Mennonites that had established a mission in La Plata. Two of those missionaries, Rev. Melvin and Mary Lauver of Akron, PA, took a special interest in Louis. When the Lauvers returned home to Akron in 1948, they brought 10-year old Louis with them and raised him as their son.

Louis served in the US Army during the Korean War. He worked in the retail beverage industry for many years. In later years, he earned his real estate license and became the first Spanish speaking real estate agent in Lancaster City for Century 21. He ended his working career at Manheim Auto Action as a security guard and retired in 2004. Louis was an avid Steelers fan and enjoyed camping and trips with his family. He liked throwing quoits and playing dominoes and other games. He also enjoyed fishing, especially the opportunities to go on chartered fishing boats on the Atlantic Ocean and Lake Erie. Louis and his wife visited Puerto Rico many times and enjoyed serving as tour guides for Mennonite group tours to the island. He was an active member at Speedwell Heights Church in Lititz, PA.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Lisa M. Lauver of Denver, CO; a son, James A. Lauver of Frankfurt, Germany; a stepson and daughter-in-law; a sister, Juanita Cabrera of Clearwater, FL and a brother, Carlos Cabrera of Puerto Rico.

A viewing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 5 to 8 pm, at Stradling Funeral Home, 30 N. 9th St., Akron. An additional viewing will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 10 to 11 am, at Speedwell Heights Church, 413 W. Brubaker Valley Road, Lititz, followed by his funeral service at 11 am, with Rev. Jesse Halteman and Rev. Brian Willison officiating. Interment will take place in Memory Gardens Memorial Cemetery, Ephrata with full military honors immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Louis's memory may be made to Mennonite Disaster Service, 583 Airport Rd, Lititz, PA 17543.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.