Conrad Phillip Sauer

Conrad Phillip Sauer was born on May 8, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Olive and Elmer Sauer. He married Marilyn Sauer on August 25, 1961, in Detroit, Michigan—after, as family lore fondly recalls, finding one of their shared loves for cinnamon rolls. Together they shared a life of faith, hospitality, and service to others.

Conrad graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1959, but his heart led him toward ministry. He went on to earn a Master of Divinity from Westminister Theological Seminary and further deepened his faith studying under Francis Schaeffer at L’Abri in Switzerland, an experience that left a lasting mark on his life and thinking.

Conrad loved life in all its richness—good food, meaningful conversations, books, flowers, and the beauty of the natural world. He was known for his deep and abiding love for God. He had a gift for listening and for caring for others, and he faithfully dedicated his life to pastoring, preaching, counseling, mentoring, and praying for and with those around him.

After seminary, Conrad served as a pastor with the Reformed Presbyterian Mission in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. In 1969, he and Marilyn moved to New York City, where Conrad began working with college students through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. Over the years, he continued his ministry with Campus Crusade, Here’s Life Greater New York, and became a steady, faithful leader in several churches, including Bronx Household of Faith, Community Bible Church in Far Rockaway, and Immanuel Community Church in Queens.

In 2014, Conrad and Marilyn moved to Woodbridge, Virginia, to be closer to their two daughters and their families. Conrad is survived by his daughter Laura, her husband Alvaro, Cecilia and Daniela; and his daughter Karen, her husband Brian, and their children, John and Jasmine. He is also survived by his sister, Marty and her husband, Nick.