Jack Laeufer was a graduate of Beaverdam High School
Jackie "Jack" Wayne Laeufer, 87, died June 19, 2020, at his residence. Jack was born May 30, 1933, in Lima, Ohio to the late Russell and Inez (Skinner) Laeufer. On Sept. 19, 1956, he married Wilma Anderson and she survives.
Jack graduated from Beaverdam High School. He worked and retired in 1990 from British Petroleum where he worked in petro-chemical shipping. He and his wife, Wilma were very instrumental in bringing awareness to the missing POW-MIAs especially Jack's cousin, Colonel Owen Skinner. They volunteered with many other families across the United States in trying to bring home the POW-MIAs. He and Wilma founded a 501C-3 non-profit organization selling POW-MIA bracelets, flags and flag poles to benefit the issue of bringing the missing servicemen home. Jack served in the United States Army in Panama during the Korean Conflict Era. He was a life-long farmer retiring in 2000 from farming.
Survivors also include two sons, Donald Mark Laeufer of Indianapolis, Indiana, Russell Keith Laeufer of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; three grandchildren; three step grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; seven step great-grandchildren and two sisters, Joyce (William) Nichols of Elida, Janet (Roger) Conner of Cridersville.
Jack was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Donna Jean Laeufer.
Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton. Pastor James Washington officiating.
Burial will be in Campbell Cemetery where military honors will be provided by the United States Army. Visitation will be Monday from 5 - 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to Freedom Flight, P.O. Box 1052, Saint Cloud, MN 56302.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, July 4, 2026
Friday, July 3, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 3
- OPEN POLL What's your top traffic safety priority in Bluffton?
- Bluffton University Board of Trustees approves faculty promotion, reviews institutional progress
- Summer Crisis program begins July 1
- Quarry Farm Nature Preserve news for Summer 2026
- Bluffton roundabout opens, Pocono closes at SR 103
- Musical duo learns, performs 50 songs for America 250
- Why Icon Facebook comments are moderated
- June 2026 land transfers in the Bluffton School District
- July 2026 programs and services at Bluffton Public Library
Thursday, July 2, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 2
- Obituary for Lois C. Fischer
- Watercolor Workshop scheduled at Bluffton Public Library
- Mobile Health Clinic coming on July 9
- T-Rex Tea Party at the Bluffton Public Library
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Surveyor James Riley will time travel on July 4
- The Air That I Breathe: Air Pollution and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 1
- June School Board: Bernal resigns as elementary principal, lunch prices increase
- WOAL League Champs in Kenton July 10 and 11
- 2026 Swiss Day celebration focuses on past and future
- Senior Center offers Bus Trips with Debbie
- Senior Center's July Dinner meeting topic: The history of Dixie Highway