Lauff was born October 30, 1948, in Dixon, IL, the son of Edward and Myrtle (Bunzey) Lauff. He married Diana L. Lucas on June 29, 1968, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling. Lauff was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sterling. He was employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire for 31 years until his retirement in 2001. In his younger years, he worked at various gas stations around town, RB&W, and Sears as an auto mechanic. Lauff was a veteran of the Illinois National Guard and was involved in various local service groups, including the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees, The Sterling High School Sports and Music Booster Clubs, The City of Sterling Band Commission, Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA, Sterling Track Club, and Sterling Youth Baseball.
Survivors include two sons, Paul of Sterling and Jonathan (Lori) of Naperville; one sister, Shirley McGuire of Rock Falls; two grandchildren, Jonah and Jeremy; a special cousin, Nick Lauff of Sterling; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Lauff was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 53 years in 2021, and his sisters, Marilyn Barnum and Helen Parvin.
Lauff was a devoted husband and involved father/grandfather. He was an automotive and auto racing enthusiast and adept at creating model replicas of drag racing and stock cars of the past.
Cremation rites will be accorded. No services will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Rock River Hospice & Home, Sterling, Illinois.
