Many people prioritize Father’s Day to celebrate those men across the community who’ve made a positive, significant impact in the lives of their children and families.
In one Metro Detroit family, that father-child bond is celebrated far more frequently.
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “following in my father’s footsteps,” it’s something that’s become part of a tradition around the Lauer family. They have three generations of men who’ve held careers at DTE Energy.
“He’s my No. 1,” Zachary Lauer said as he stood outside DTE Headquarters with his father Mike Lauer.
Mike is an electrical maintenance journeyman with 36 years at DTE. His son, Zachary, is a DTE maintenance fitter who has been on the job for eight years.
Mike’s late father, Gerald Lauer, joined DTE after World War II.
“He was hired in 1946,” Mike said. “He worked his way through the company. Ended up being a facilities manager.”
The Lauer men said their father-son bonds are connected through family ties and their careers.
Zachary said he knew he wanted to follow his father’s path since kindergarten, when a teacher asked a specific question during a class exercise.
“‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ One of the most common questions that’s asked. And I wrote down, ‘I want to be a worker like my dad.’ At the time, he was doing what I’m currently doing right now,” Zachary said.
For this father and son, connection matters. They spend each Tuesday golfing, and Thursdays are set for softball. During the work week, Zach often calls his father just to check-in.
“Not everybody gets to call your son one of your best friends ... and have a loving relationship,” Mike said. “It’s great.”
These men are among many families with generational ties to DTE. The Lauers say that for them, working together is about pride.
Mike said he appreciates his son’s compassion, loving nature, and calm demeanor.
The men said this Father’s Day will be memorable.
“I want to make you proud,” Zachary told his father.
The Lauers said they will spend Father’s Day as a family and continue building bonds and memories.
“You’re my best friend,” Zachary told his father. “You’re my hero. I strive to be everything that you’ve been toward me.”