Robert “Jim” Kauer

Robert "Jim" Kauer, age 93 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 14, 2025, in the comfort of his own home.

Jim was born as the only child to Robert and Henrietta Kauer in Pequannock, New Jersey. Growing up in Wyckoff, he attended Ramsey High School before immediately beginning his lifelong career with PSE&G, where he steadily worked his way up to earn the position of inspector.  

Jim’s life changed forever when he invited a beautiful woman named Rosemarie to go for a ride on his boat at Greenwood Lake. The two hit it off and he formally asked her to go on a date with him to the Mountain Lakes Tavern at Greenwood Lake shortly after. It didn’t take long for Jim and Rosemarie to fall in love and Jim asked Rosemarie to marry him in his distinctive two-toned blue and white Cadillac. The couple married on August 19, 1961, at St. Joan of Arc Church before spending their honeymoon in Quebec, Canada. Jim took great pride in their home in Wayne, New Jersey where they raised their three beloved daughters: MaryAnn, Lisa, and Karen. Jim had a special soft spot for his daughters and grandchildren (and grand pups) loving them dearly and doing everything he could to provide them with an incredible childhood in their close-knit community. His loving marriage to Rosemarie lasted 61 years until her passing in 2023.

Jim’s entire life revolved around the outdoors. His dad taught him to hunt and started a lifelong passion for hunting. Familiar with the Upstate New York area from his formative years, Jim made it his goal to build a vacation home there and with the help of his dad and some friends he made that goal a reality. The family cherished their weekend trips and extended vacations to this retreat, enjoying the peaceful surroundings and the cool waters of Lake George.

Jim will be fondly remembered for his generous spirit and willingness to help others. A man of many talents, from woodworking to general repairs, people from all walks of life sought his assistance. His tools were distinctly marked with yellow paint, and he lent them freely along with his advice and expertise.

Even in his later years, Jim maintained a remarkable memory, often recalling small details from conversations that others would typically forget. This attentiveness demonstrated how deeply he really listened to others. His kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in people and their lives will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

Jim was the loving husband of his wife who predeceased him, Rosemarie Kauer; devoted father of three children: MaryAnn Fallon, Lisa Cullen and Karen Kauer-Kiraly and her husband Jeffrey Kiraly; cherished grandfather of Carolyn Cullen, Erin Cullen, Amanda Fallon, Nicholas Kiraly, and Joseph Kiraly. He will also be dearly missed by his grand pups Milo, Chloe, and Maverick.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to the Wayne Memorial First Aid Squad would be greatly appreciated.