Fr. Robert Auer

Fr. Robert F. Auer (Chaplain Colonel USAF Ret.) was born on November 24, 1926, in Garnavillo, the son of George and Pearl (Chettinger) Auer. He passed away Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Guttenberg Care Center. Robert graduated from Loras College in Dubuque in 1946 and completed his theological studies at St. Marys Seminary and University, Roland Park, Baltimore, MD. He was ordained on May 3, 1951 at Christ the King Chapel, Loras College, by Archbishop Leo J. Binz. He served as chaplain in the Air Force for 29 years, 1957-86. Robert received a direct presidential commission as a first lieutenant in the United States Air Force on Aug. 2, 1957. He completed Officer Basic Military Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in November 1957. Father Auer assignments included: 834the Air Base Group, England AFB, La.; 6175th Air Base Group, Pacific Air Forces, Korea in December 1958; 3510th Air Training Command Wing, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas in January 1960 and Lack-land Air Force Base, Texas in July 1961; and 7101st Air Base Group, Wiesbaden, Germany in August 1963. Father Auer returned to the United States in August 1966 for a year of post-graduate studies at the Catholic University of America and received a masters degree in religious education. In August 1967 he was assigned to Headquarters, United States Air Force Academy. He was cadet chaplain, remaining until September 1971, when he was assigned to 6325th Air Base Group, Pacific Air Force, Nakhom Phanom in Thailand. He returned for duty with the 3800th Air Base Wing, Air Group, Alaskan Air Command, Eileson AFT, Fairbanks, Alaska in June 1975 and the 375th Air Base Group, Scott Air Force Base, Ill., where he served as Installation Staff Chaplain, beginning in February 1977. In February 1980, Father Auer was assigned to Headquarters, United States Air Forces in Europe, Ramstein Air Base, Germany. He arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California in May 1982. His decorations and awards include: the Legion of Merit, Airmans Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, National Defense Service Award Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Air Force Overseas Long Tour Ribbon, Air Force Longevity Ribbon with five oak leaf cluster, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with device, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal. Father Auer was promoted to the grade of Colonel with a date of rank on Oct, 28, 1974. He retired on November 1, 1986. Father Auer is survived by his three siblings, Dr. George Auer of Guttenberg, Dr. James Auer of Milwaukee Wis and Pat Niehaus of Garnavillo and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Ted.In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Marys Catholic Church in Guttenberg.Visitation: Friday 10:00 - 11:00 A.M. May 27, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo, IowaFuneral Service: Friday 11:00 A.M. May 27, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church Garnavillo, IowaInterment: St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery Garnavillo, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available