Gerald John "Jerry" Sauer

Jerry was born on May 24, 1931, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to John and Clara Sauer. Clara died when Jerry was just 10 years old, and his older sisters, Marion and Lucille, helped to raise him. John would later marry Meta Jahnke. Jerry grew up in Milwaukee, Wauwatosa, and South Milwaukee.

It was in South Milwaukee, around the age of 13, that Jerry met the love of his life, Marion Tamuzian, on a hayride. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and was fortunate not to be posted in Korea. Following his discharge in 1953 as an Airman First Class, he and Marion married and soon started a family. They purchased their first home in Greendale, Wisconsin, eventually moving to Big Bend, Wisconsin, before Jerry’s job transferred the family to northern Alabama.

After the Air Force, Jerry was employed at AC Spark Plug, in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. AC (which became Delco Electronics) was a division of General Motors instrumental in development of internal navigation systems for the blossoming space program. Jerry was involved in the systems that guided the Gemini and Apollo missions, including the effort that put a man on the moon. It was an exciting time. He retired from GM in 1990, but continued consulting for the defense and aerospace industries past his 90th birthday!

Jerry often said that he was a lucky guy. He enjoyed an interesting and productive career, good health for many years, and most importantly, a wonderful wife and family. He loved vacationing with his kids and grandson, a good day on the golf course, watching college football, a bit of fishing in his later years, the company of many fine friends, and a good martini. His most painful and challenging time came when Marion died of cancer in 1983, before she could enjoy his retirement and their grandson Evan.

Jerry’s parents, stepmother, and sisters, Marion Klippel and Lucille Glass, all predeceased him. He is survived by his loving children, Jan Duran (husband Juan) of Carmel Valley, California, Jim Sauer of Mukwonago, Wisconsin, and Dave Sauer (wife Diane) of Cary, North Carolina; grandson Evan Sauer of Raleigh, North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews and their families. With his marriage to Marion, Jerry became a beloved member of Marion’s Armenian family, who will also miss him greatly.

There will be a graveside service for the immediate family on Wednesday, October 13th at Arlington Park Cemetery in Greenfield, Wisconsin. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember and celebrate Jerry’s life following at 12:30 pm on the 13th at the Blue Heron Supper Club - W229 S8300 WI Hwy 164 - Big Bend, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Shriners Children's Hospitals in Jerry’s name.

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