Obituary: L. Peter Sauer

May 18, 1929 – Aug. 28, 2019 

Leo Peter Sauer was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to Leo G. and Beata A. (née Pankow) Sauer. He was reborn into the Kingdom of God through holy baptism on June 2, 1929. He confirmed his faith in the True and Living TRIUNE GOD at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in June, 1943. His soul went to be with his SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST, where he awaits the day of resurrection. 

Leo Peter was a 1947 graduate of Mary D. Bradford High School in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He studied for a year in Watertown, Wisconsin, at Northwestern (Seminary) Prep. College and continued his education at the University of Chicago in Illinois. He graduated in 1971 with an honorary bachelor of arts degree in mechanical engineering and a master’s degree (MBA). 

His work experience began in 1945 at the family business, the Dairy Service Equipment Company, where he served as bookkeeper and mechanical engineer. He went on to be employed at Signode Steel Strapping Company for 35 years, which included the merger with Illinois Tool Works. His final and favorite position was as managing project engineer. It led him into research projects around the United States and overseas. 

Peter married Elaine Helen Kersten on January 28, 1951. Elaine and two children, Bradley and Timothy, preceded him to Heaven. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Pastor Joel Ph. Sauer and his sister, Marcie A. Hagen.

He is survived by two daughters, Barbara (and Edward III) Ubert and Jennifer Sauer; son Michael (and Donna) Sauer; his sister, Mary (and Richard) Hannenberg; as well as grandchildren; great grandchildren, and nephews, nieces, and their children. 

During his lifetime, Peter was highly respected for his wisdom, integrity and reverence for the Lord. His courage, counsel and spiritual strength inspired many who knew him, and he truly glorified his God. He was notably active in his church families at Bethany Evangelical Lutheran and Mt. Zion Evangelical Lutheran churches in Kenosha, Wisconsin. After moving his family to Northbrook and Glenview, Illinois, he was an active member at Jerusalem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Morton Grove, Illinois. He retired to Sister Bay, Wisconsin, after a short time in Grayslake, Illinois. There, he and Elaine attended Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor.  His last move, to Toledo, Oregon, took him to Beautiful Savior Evangelical Lutheran Church in Corvallis, Oregon. From there, Peter went on to join the Saints Triumphant. 

A funeral service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, Sept. 14, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Baileys Harbor, with Pastor Peter Lindemann officiating. Burial will be in Little Sister Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held at the church Sept. 14, 11:30 am – 12:50 pm. 

Memorials may be given to Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 544, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202. 

Casperson Funeral Home in Sister Bay is assisting the Sauer family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos can be shared through his tribute page at caspersonfuneralhome.com. 

Donations may be made to:

Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church
P.O. Box 544, Baileys Harbor, WI 54202
Tel: 920-743-5153
Web: christdoorcounty.com