After graduating from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary in 1960, Richard Lauersdorf and his wife Charlene served a mission congregation in Ontario, Canada. Starting in 1964, Lauersdorf shepherded congregations in Wisconsin for 33 years. Then from 1997 to 2001, he served as the WELS Vice President of Mission and Ministry. He also served on the Board for World Missions for 30 years.Lauersdorf went to his heavenly home in January 2023. Up until the end, he remained active in ministry, preaching periodically and leading weekly Bible study, as well as serving as contributing editor for "Forward in Christ" magazine.