ELLENDALE - Donald E. Lauer, 70, of Ellendale passed away peacefully on Saturday December 26, 2015 at Milford Memorial Hospital. Donald was born in Milford to the late George and Edith (Messick) Lauer. He was self-employed as a logger. He was a member of the Milford Moose Lodge 2316 and the Ellendale VFW Post 2931. Donald loved dirt track racing, fishing, and running rabbit dogs. He was also a very avid gardener and he maintained a large one every year. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Lauer. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Margaret (Hudson) Lauer; daughter, Donna and her husband Mike Christopher; two brothers, Robert and Ralph Lauer; two sisters, Betty Hopper and Gladys Robinson; two grandchildren, Michael and Zachary Christopher; as well as many friends and extended family. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Redden Forest Lodge, 18074 Redden Forest Drive, Georgetown. Arrangements in the care of Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.