Leonard Robert Auer, of Paw Paw, passed away on October 25, 2026 at the age of 85. He was born November 21, 1940, in Paw Paw, Michigan, to Leonard and Elizabeth Auer.

Len was a very special guy. As a young man, he helped his father build a house — a house that still stands today. In 1956, he joined the United States Navy and served his country proudly for four years.

After the Navy, Len worked in quality control at Musselman's in Paw Paw. From there, he went to work in the lab at the Michigan Standard Alloys aluminum plant, where he stayed until the plant closed.

Len loved racing motorcycles — though he told his wife he didn't race. He had to fess up one day when he came home with a first-place trophy.

After the aluminum plant closed, Len went out on his own remodeling houses. He moved his family to Florida, where he and Wanda drove the big yellow van with the canoe on top to work every day. At lunch, they would find a pond or a lake and go canoeing. He enjoyed life to the fullest.

In his later years, Len found great joy in his grandchildren and spent a lot of time with them. He loved music, and you could often hear Leonard Cohen playing at his house. When he and Wanda went driving, she always had her Elvis CD on — and he would always sing along.

Len is survived by his wife of 59 years, Wanda; his daughter Treasa and son-in-law Rodney Schaus; his grandson McCormick Schaus and granddaughter-in-law Jazmine; his great-granddaughter Crystal; three nieces; and many cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Elizabeth Auer; his sister, Anna May Hofstra; his daughter, Janyce Lyn Auer; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Harley Schaus.

A memorial service with military honors will held 10:00 A.M. Thursday, October 29, 2026 at Twelve Corners Community Church, 3287 Hicks Ave, Benton Harbor, MI 49022 where the family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. Those wising to leave an online message of remembrance may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.