John Kenneth Sauer

August 9, 1944 – December 23, 2025

John Kenneth Sauer, a devoted husband, loving father, and adored grandfather, passed away on December 23, 2025. Born to Marcus and Bernice (Thielman) Sauer on August 9, 1944, in Richmond, Minnesota. He grew up in Cold Spring, Minnesota, the 4th of 10 siblings, with a deep sense of family, community and values of kindness and inclusion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marcus and Bernice, brother, Allen, sisters, Gloria Rutzen and Mary Sauer, brothers-in-law, Arnie Maile, John Scott and Larry Ehmke, nieces Kim Jensen and Tracy Sowada.

John is survived by his wife, Georgiana; daughter, Erica (Steve Curnow) Sauer, and son, Peter (Rebecca) Sauer; stepdaughters, Lisa (Rich) Engelstad, Katie (Jon) Wasrud, Emily (Dan) Waskow, and grandchildren Nolan and Amelia Johnson, Naomi and Otto Sauer, Ben and Jacob Engelstad, Hadley Wasrud, Haley and Brayden Waskow. John is survived by siblings, Richard (Anita) Sauer, Diane Scott, Sandy (Mark) Correia, Lois Maile, Curt (Susan) Sauer, and Mark (Cathy) Sauer. John is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends, including Rita Speltz (mother of Erica and Peter).

John began his college years at St. John’s University, in the seminary. Although he did not become a priest, the values of social justice, inclusivity and hard work guided him to get his master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University. He also remained a staunch supporter of St. John’s.

After graduating from St. Louis University, John moved back to Minnesota and worked for numerous social service agencies but eventually became employed at the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, which turned out to be his dream job. John earned his second master’s degree in education from the University of Minnesota. John loved learning, but what we think motivated him to finish his degree was the discounted student tickets to Gopher Basketball games.

In 1995, John met Georgiana and they got married in June of 1996. With Georgiana by his side, John explored the world, traveled on cruises, and forged friendships that spanned continents. Together, they created memories for their family, sharing adventures and laughter on bike trails and family trips. John was also a loyal Minnesota sports fan, always cheering for his teams with hope and enthusiasm.

John adored his role as a grandparent to his 9 grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa.” John never missed their concerts, plays, dance recitals or sporting events. He enjoyed volunteering at his grandchildren’s school and was known as Papa John.

Though John’s absence leaves an ache in our hearts, his legacy endures in the love, laughter, and values he instilled in all who knew him. We remember him not only for the life he lived, but for the lives he touched. His spirit will continue to inspire us to live with generosity, empathy and joy.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Senior Helpers, the staff at White Pine Advanced Memory Care and Olive Grove Hospice for their exceptional care of John.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Ambrose Catholic Community.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, January 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. with Visitation from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at St. Ambrose of Woodbury Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125. Internment will be at Sunset Cemetery, 2250 St. Anthony Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55418.