Vernon A. Auer, 90, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at the Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born June 13, 1917, at Prairie du Rocher, Ill., son of John N. and Olive Rauch Auer. He and Charlotte L. Walther were married Sept. 21, 1940. She died March 22, 2006.

Auer attended Charminade High School in St. Louis. He was vice president of Walther's Furniture Co. Before service with the U.S. Air Force in World War II, he was a traveling salesman for the Southeast Missourian. After the war he worked at Dysert Auer photography in Sikeston, Mo. He was a member of St. Mary's Cathedral in Cape Girardeau. Memberships included Knights of Columbus Council 1111, Cape Girardeau Elks, VFW, American Legion, Exchange Club, Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce and St. Mary's Cemetery Association.

Survivors include a son, Andy G. Auer of Cape Girardeau; three daughters, Pat Rushin of Jackson, Judy Stricker of Cape Girardeau, Mary L. Sturm of St. Louis; mother-in-law, Lois Walther of Cape Girardeau; a brother, Bob Auer of St. Louis; 12 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sisters, a brother, a son, a grandson and a son-in-law.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel. There will be a Knights of Columbus rosary following the 7 p.m. parish prayer.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Cathedral, with the Rev. Thomas Kiefer officiating.

Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.