Sauer, Helen Ruth

Helen Ruth Sauer, 89, of Troy Mills, died Friday, Aug. 16, 2013, at Northbrook Manor, Cedar Rapids. Per Helen's wishes, there will be no formal visitation or funeral at this time. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date at the Troy Mills Cemetery. Arrangements by Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion.

Helen was born Sept. 15, 1923, in Central City, the daughter of Henry and Ruth (Thompson) Wagner. She was united in marriage to Dale Sauer on Sept. 20, 1940, at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. Four children were born to this union. Helen was a farm wife and drove a school bus for North-Linn Schools for 25 years.

She was a member of the Troy Mills American Legion Floyd Williamson Auxiliary Post 712, Garden club, and participated in a bowling league. Helen was also a member of the Troy Mills Christian Church and a past member of Troy Mills Cemetery Association.

She loved her children and all of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and was a wonderful mother-in-law.

When Helen was first married, she couldn't boil water, but it didn't take her long to become a fantastic cook. Her favorite main dish was fried chicken and her specialty was all the wonderful pies she made.

She will be missed by her children, Pat “Tisha” Kramer of Cedar Rapids, Tom (Linda) Sauer of Troy Mills, John Sauer of Florida and Pam (Joe) Mollenhauer of Alburnett; 16 grandchildren, Lori (Tim) Rock of Cedar Rapids, Jeff (Erica) Kramer of California, Mark (Chantelle) Kramer of Cedar Rapids, Todd Kramer of Cedar Rapids, Vicki (Jerry) Cevasco of New Jersey, Rodney Kramer of Lone Tree, Lisa (Doug) Lafler of Cedar Rapids, Kirk Sauer of Troy Mills, Kim (Tom) Simmons of Cedar Rapids, Mike (Sarah) Sauer of Nevada, Ryan (Nicole) Sauer of Urbandale, Nicole (Ron) Cihla of Cedar Rapids, J.D. Sauer of Shellsburg, Jessica (Chris) Engen of Central City, Casey (Deanna) Mollenhauer of Center Point and Jolene (Travis) Springman of Alburnett; 35 great-grandchildren, Logan Smith, Christopher, Anthony and Tyler Rock, Ashley, Bradley and Nicollette Kramer, Sheila, Samantha, Mariska, Courtney and Chastity Kramer, Sarah Gomes, Jerry Cevasco, Jacob and Jordan Kramer, Michael and Brandon Lafler, Dustan and Baylee Sauer, Dacota, Dylan and Derrek Simmons, Thomas Sauer, Annabelle Sauer, Lauren and Kayleah Cihla, Tessa, Clayton, Tryston and Caya Engen, Aliza, Maci and Cole Mollenhauer and Reid Springman; three stepgreat-grandchildren, Teba, Tesha and Marcus; and three great-great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Channing Rock and Ayden Lafler. She is also survived by her sisters, Martha (Andy) Andrews of Troy Mills and Edith McCright of Coggon; and her brother, Henry Wagner of Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dale; her in-laws; her sister, Olive Fisher; and granddaughter, Kelli Sauer.

The family would like to thank all the staff at St. Luke's Hospital, St. Luke's Hospice, and Northbrook Manor for all their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Helen's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Helen at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.

Published Aug. 18, 2013 in The Gazette