Marita Ann (Oetting) Lauer, age 74, passed away on October 21, 2026, after a long battle with dementia. Born December 15, 1951, in Fort Wayne, she was the daughter of the late Eugene and Corinne Oetting. Marita attended Most Precious Blood School and was a 1970 graduate of Central Catholic High School. She worked for St. Joseph Hospital for 17 years and for CK Products for 15 years. Marita loved to cross-stitch, make Christmas ornaments and baby blankets, and bake treats for everyone.

Marita is survived by her husband of 54 years, Ron Lauer; son, Matthew (Jenny) Lauer, of Fort Wayne; son-in-law, Tony Shepherd, of Huntertown; grandchildren, Allison, Chris, Alexis, Brandon, Michaela, and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Zander, Leighton, Chandler, and June; brothers, Pat (Diane) Oetting, Dave (Joy) Oetting, Steve (Kim) Oetting; sister-in law, Linda Oetting; sisters, Martha (Steve) Irwin, Roberta (Greg) Firestine, and Paula (Jeff) Leitch. Marita was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved daughter, Ronita Shepherd; brother, Michael Oetting; and sister-in-law, Debbie.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, IN 46805 with visitation for family and friends from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Burial will be at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials can be written to Most Precious Blood Catholic Church or to Make-A-Wish Foundation (www.wish.org) in Marita’s name. Fond memories and condolences for the family can be shared at www.divinemercyfuneralhome.com.