John Sauer
November 16, 1924 ~ August 1, 2021
John Sauer, 96, of Mechanicsville, passed away Sunday, August 1, 2021, at home surrounded by his family. Funeral Service: 10 a.m. Saturday, August 7, 2021, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation: 4-7 p.m. Friday, August 6, 2021, at the funeral home. Burial with Military Honors: Rose Hill Cemetery, Mechanicsville.
Survivors include his children, Debra (Mike) Freeman, Jane (Lee) Peters, and John 'Jack' (Ann) Sauer; grandchildren, Jennifer (Nate) Hubler, Adam (Brianna) Sauer, Steven (Lacey) Sauer, Johnathan Freeman, and Matthew Freeman; great-grandchildren, Sarah and Rachel Hubler, Morgan and Adison Sauer, and Charlie and Kiehl Sauer; sister, Geraldine McGarry; and many extended family members and friends of the community.
John Edward Sauer was born November 16, 1924, in New Liberty, Iowa, to Mathias Edward and Esther Marie (Baker) Sauer. The family moved to Mechanicsville in 1925, where John attended Elementary and High School. He then attended St. Ambrose in Davenport. John served six years in the Navy as a medical corpsman on Aircraft Carrier USS Boxer. On June 27, 1950, he married Kathleen Kiehl in Mechanicsville. John worked as a farmer his entire life. John and Kathleen grew their family by adopting three children. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Mechanicsville, and a past member of the Parish Council. John was an avid volunteer'he was a member of many organizations including the American Legion serving as Past Commander and Chaplain, the National USS Boxer Organization, Lincoln School Foundation Board, 4-H club, Boy Scouts, Senior Citizen BINGO Committee, Cedar County Zoning Board Chairman, Compensation Board Chairman, and Township Trustee, ASCS Committee, and the County Senior Citizen Board. He was a dedicated Lion's Club Member since 1967, including having served many roles, including Vice President, President, and District Governor and University of Iowa Eye Clinic volunteer.
John enjoyed fishing, cooking, volunteering'he was even honored by Senator Grassley for his volunteer work with senior citizens, he never knew a stranger, and cherished spending time with his children and grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and wife, Kathleen.
Memorials may be directed to the Lion's Club or the American Legion.
Please share your support and memories with John's family on his tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.
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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services – Mount Vernon
Sorry for your loss John had a way of making me smile and feel 😊
First to the family, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Second to all the friends John made along the way… John was so special, always a joke to tell ( mostly dirty/some funny, though he always said to me don’t tell the wife!! So many memories, he will always have a special place in my thoughts and prayers. Prayers and hugs for all….
I saw John Sauer when looking through the obituaries. I knew that face. So very many years ago I worked at an Ophthalmogists office in Cedar Rapids where he and family visited. I still remember the Sauer family. John always had a joke and big smile. My condolences and prayers go out to all of his family and loved ones. Marcia Rinderknecht
Thank you for remembering him and your good thought. I remember you too!
Jane and Lee, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I had no idea John was your Dad. I remember him well from the grocery store and I always loved his sense of humor. He was such a sweet person, know where you get your sweetness. Know you are in my thoughts, Hugs and sympathy, Annamae Baker
I work at Wolfe eye clinic and John was a wonderful patient and person. I always got a “hug” from him and his beautiful smile. I know he is flying high with the Angels, We will miss him dearly. Lori Wallerich (Receptionist Hiawatha)
Thank you for your kind words. You were always so good to him.
I knew John through the Lions. Whenever he came to our meetings in Tipton, he got everybody fired up and ready to volunteer. The world is a better place because of John Sauer!
John was one of my mentors in Lions Club. He helped me be a better Lion and Volunteer. He will be missed not only in his club, but in the Mechanicsville Community.
John was such a terrific neighbor and friend. He always had a chuckle and a smile for one and all.. Some special memories – his Christmas cookies and candies were wonderful and he was so generous with them…always looked forward to that box of treats…which he worked on for days.. I remember some Christmas eve get-togethers that were so special…John and Kathleen shared dinner with us and then we played cards …..up-and-down-the-hill I think.. …and …from way back….John would play Santa at the school when we were tots…and he had as much fun as we did. We will miss him Jean Davidson and Mary Jo and Dave Orkowski