Marie I. Sauer, 95, of 226 W. Jasper, Gwinn died Wednesday evening, April 17, 2002 at the Norlite Nursing Center in Marquette.
Mrs. Sauer was born September 12, 1906 in Ishpeming, a daughter of the late John & Ida (Swahn) Lehman. On June 10, 1939 she married Walt Sauer at the family home in Gwinn. He preceded her in death in May of 1969.
She was employed for several years as a teacher with the Gwinn School System until her retirement in 1968.
Marie was a member of the Gwinn United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women, Martha Stewart Church Circle for over 50 years, the Gwinn Historical Society, Forsyth Township Senior Citizens, NMU Distinguished Alumni,RSVP, the Michigan Education Association, Women's Study Club, Clubhouse Advisory Council and the Marquette County Commission on Aging. In 1997 she received the Forsyth Township Outstanding Educator Award. She was active in the community serving on many committees and organizations until suffering a stroke in November of 1999.
Marie had a deep and abiding faith. She loved her family, friends and community in which she lived. She never hesitated to tell people about her beloved town of Gwinn.
Mrs. Sauer is survived by her children, Kay (Gary) Erickson of Gwinn and Robert (Margaret) Sauer of Green Bay; grandchildren, Bruce Erickson of Gwinn, Susan (Tim) Pilgrim of Chicago, Jennifer Erickson of Kalamazoo, Margaret Sauer and fiancee Jason Schomaker of Green Bay, Bob Sauer of Green Bay and Ted Sauer of Stephens Point, WI; great-grandchildren, Aimee, Cody & Matthew Erickson; sisters-in-law, Maxine Lehman of San Carlos, CA and Ione Lehman of Danville, KY; a special friend, Effie Leppaluoto; and many nieces and nephews. Brothers, Eugene, John, & Ted Lehman and sisters, Eva Young and Evelyn Dwyer preceded her in death.
Friends may call at the Gwinn Funeral Home on Friday from 5 until 8 p.m. and on Saturday at the Gwinn United Methodist Church from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Rev. Jackie Roe will be officiating. Interment will take place in the Gwinn Cemetery.
Bruce Erickson, Robert & Ted Sauer, Timothy Pilgrim and Jason Schomaker will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a memorial contribution may wish to consider the Gwinn United Methodist Church or the Gwinn Historical Society.
Tributes
Gail Malandrone Kneeland wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Marie Sauer was my kindergarten teacher in 1954 or 1955 (I think :)) She was a most compassionate person and a terrific teacher. Whenever someone asks, "Who was your kindergarten teacher?" I always remember, "Mrs. Sauer" She was just great! Cherish your memories and remember that she touched the lives of hundreds of children and made their lives better. Gail Malandrone Kneeland"
Laurie Van Damme wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"To the family of Marie Sauer, you have my deepest sympathies. Marie was a wonderful lady. Your in my thoughts and prayers. Laurie"
Jim and Jackie Wheeler wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Kay and "Robbie" you have my deepest sympathies in the loss of your wonderful mother. You two were the first real friends I made in the U.P. I can still see our folks sitting in your camp playing cards when "Robbie" (Robert) and I let a skunk drenched "Zep" into the camp and he ran right under the table. The look on your mom's face sticks with me still to this day. God Bless her and keep her, and may God's peace be upon you. Jim Wheeler"
Butch and Jean Wagner wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Rob and Muggs, We wish we could be with you, but we are thinking of you and remembering some very good times with your mom."
margaret & bob strohm wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"My thoughts are with on this very sad day. i will always remeber the fun we had planning the halloween carnival and the parades that we were in. she was a very special lady.she leaves you with some very fond memories"
Danny & Pam Keskimaki wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"Kay, Robbie and their families, Our deepest sympathy for the loss of a very caring special mother, grandmother,great-grandmother and friend to all. Your thought and prayers are with you. Danny and Pam Keskimaki"
The Forsyth Singers wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"The Forsyth Singers pay tribute to a loyal fan. We will miss Marie's presence at our concert next Friday. We know she is toe tapping to a better sound now."
Barbara Anderson wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"I'm sorry for your loss. I can still remember vividly my first day of kindergarten and Mrs. Sauer. She was a good neighbor to my grandparents and a sweet lady."
mike sholty wrote on Apr 6, 2009:
"sorry i couldn,t make it"