COCHRANTON — Once again, the grave of Cpl. Timothy J. Lauer has been vandalized. This time two wreaths and a star placed at the site Saturday have been stolen.
It’s the second time within a week that the Cochranton Cemetery grave site of Cpl. Lauer, who was killed three years ago while serving in Iraq, has been disturbed by someone.
“They didn’t harm the headstone this time, but who knows what’s coming,” a shaken Jon Lauer said Monday afternoon in a telephone interview. He is Cpl. Lauer’s younger brother.
Last week on Veterans Day, the headstone on Cpl. Lauer’s grave was discovered covered with paint.
The two wreaths along with a star-shaped display saying “Proud to be an American” were placed at the grave Saturday around 11:30 a.m. by Valerie Lauer, Cpl. Lauer’s widow, Jon Lauer said.
The items apparently were taken sometime between 11:30 a.m. Saturday and mid-afternoon Sunday — that’s when Vince Lauer, Cpl. Lauer’s father, visited the grave. The elder Lauer didn’t see either the wreathes or star-shaped display there, however, he was unaware they had been placed at the grave, Jon said.
“Valerie came by and told us this (Monday) morning ‘It’s gone — everything’s gone’,” Jon said.
Mrs. Lauer was too shaken to speak with a reporter Monday.
“It just makes you sick to your stomach,” Jon said.
Last week, the headstone on Cpl. Lauer’s grave was discovered marred with white paint around 2:30 p.m. on Veteran’s Day by Lauer’s father. Relatives were able to remove the paint, but the discovery of the desecration devastated Lauer’s family.
Meanwhile, Ray Andel of West Mead Township, a U.S. Navy veteran, is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution in the case.
Cpl. Lauer died Oct. 14, 2006, in Baghdad, Iraq, while serving on a convoy resupply mission. He was a member of the U.S. Army’s Company C, 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division based at Fort Hood, Texas.
Pennsylvania State Police are investigating the incidents and the investigation continues.
Keith Gushard can be reached at 724-6370 or by e-mail at kgushard@meadvilletribune.com.
Local News
Local vet's grave vandalized again
- Local News
-
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April
As Crawford County child abuse numbers rank among the most disturbing in the state, officials of local courts and agencies are busy finding ways to increase public awareness of child abuse and its prevention.
-
Ice would be nice for upcoming fishing tournaments
The 2012 Conneaut Lake Ice Fishing Tournament is scheduled for Feb. 25, but organizer Jerry Van Tassel isn’t holding his breath when it comes to running the event as planned.
-
Budget, aesthetics a balancing act at Armory
The next time there’s a moment or two to spare for quiet contemplation, pause in the vicinity of the City of Meadville’s picturesque Diamond Park. Let your eyes rest on Parkside Commons, the meticulously refurbished structure at the northeast end of the park that was once known as “the old junior high.” Make a point of focusing on the windows.
-
Former rockers Drywater enjoying glow from album's rebirth
It’s funny how perceptions can differ from one person to the next; how what sparkles in one set of eyes can appear tarnished in another.
-
Edinboro site eyed for retirement homes
About two years after halting expansion plans into the Conneaut Lake area, Meadville-based Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community now is looking to expand north into Erie County, possibly sometime in 2013.
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
“Pleased” is the word that best describes Bob Langley’s response to the news that he had been selected to fill Meadville City Council’s vacant seat.
-
French Creek conservation group to benefit from environmentalist's talk
When one of the world’s best known environmentalists, the author and activist Bill McKibben, speaks next week at Allegheny College, his audience will likely be putting some money where its heart is — right into French Creek.
-
Vernon Police chief suspects 'human interaction' in Sunday fire
An investigation is continuing into a weekend fire that destroyed a historic structure in Vernon Township, and Vernon police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Community agencies planning Children's Fair for April
Raw Video: Hearse Arrives at N.J. Funeral Home
Authorities: Houston Found Underwater in Tub
Arm Wrestler Not Guilty Plea in Wife's Death
Raw Video: Houston Body Flown From L.A. to N.J.
First Person: Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Obama's New Budget: The Winners and Losers
Gregoire: Marriage Equality Is Right for Wash.
Bacteria Keep Swimmers Off Some Fla. Beaches
Police: Houston Found Under Water, Unconscious
Sandusky Can See Grandkids, Have Local Jury
Obama Unveils $3.8 Trillion Budget
Raw Video: Israeli Embassy Car Attacked
Coroner: Don't Know Houston's Cause of Death Yet
Valentine Greetings Sent Worldwide From Loveland
Greek Austerity Measures Spark Riots
Raw Video: Obama Budget Goes to Capitol Hill
Arab League Wants U.N. Help in Syria
Nordic Festival Puts North Korea in Spotlight
'Rumor Has It' Adele's Rolling in the Grammys
Grohl, Grammy Nominees Cut Up on the Red Carpet
