Gregory Sauer

Gregory Allen Sauer of 1217 South 12th Street, Manitowoc, surrounded by his loving and devoted family, passed into glory to be with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on February 24, 2024, after valiantly living with cancer.

Gregory was born March 30, 1952 in Manitowoc, to Adeline (Foreyt) Sauer and the late James Sauer. He grew up on South 12th Street in Manitowoc. Gregory spent his youth visiting with beloved grandparents, singing in choir, cycling, fishing and hunting with his dad and brothers.

He graduated from Lincoln High School, Manitowoc, in 1970, and later trained to be an EMT, working at Holy Family Hospital in Manitowoc. Gregory moved to Madison, to pursue higher education at the UW. His commitment to helping and caring for others made him a perfect fit as a health unit coordinator for the Transplant Unit at UW Hospital and Clinics, where he was proud to serve many years. Gregory’s God-given nurturing disposition and passion for people led him to be a faithful servant. He answered the call to move back to Manitowoc to provide care for his father, his mother, and two of his brothers, Steve and Tom and his sister-in-law Sue.

During his well lived life, Gregory was committed to his relationship with God, his two children and their family pets, extended family, friends and his community. Gregory managed to procure an eclectic assortment of interests that he pursued independently, but was happiest when they could be shared with loved ones. The kitchen was Greg’s happy place, where he enjoyed cooking and baking for eager family and friends. Greg loved any chance to get outdoors to appreciate God’s creation. Many sunny mornings were spent swimming and cycling with his kids, as well as volunteering, outreach, and photography. He was known for spending long hours at the Adoration Chapel where he prayed diligently. He loved movies, too, and going out for coffee and pastries, “12 kneecaps, State Street bakery, thanks!” 

His love of people was readily apparent, he was also a loyal friend to animals, volunteering at the Humane Society, where his K-9 shadow Lucy was sure to follow. But without a doubt, the greatest joy of his life was raising his children, reading to them from early childhood on, teaching Jesse to hunt and fish, and nurturing Vanessa's interest in art and music. Taking them to church was also important to him, as was making sure that he also trained them and encouraged them in Photography, including building the family dark room to develop their photos.

Gregory is survived by one son, Jesse (Kristen) Sauer of Manitowoc, and one daughter, Vanessa Sauer of Madison. Other survivors include his mother, Adeline Sauer of Manitowoc; two sisters, Sue (Chuck) Hein of Two Rivers, and Mary Cherney-Sauer of Victorville, CA; three brothers, Steve (Jane) Sauer of Manitowoc, Thomas Sauer of Manitowoc, and James (Lisa) Sauer of Oak Hills, CA; two granddaughters, Hailey Sauer of Manitowoc, and Lauryn Raether of Stevens Point; many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins, as well as friends near and far, including Tom Lambries and family friend Mary Gavin. He was preceded in death by his father, James Sauer of Manitowoc; one sister-in-law, Susan (Thomas) Sauer; his grandparents, and numerous aunts and uncles.

Gregory's funeral will take place at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at St. Francis of Assisi on Grand, 1416 Grand Avenue, Manitowoc, with visitation preceding, from 9:00-11:00 am. The Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Reinbold & Pfeffer Family Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com

The funeral will be livestreamed and can be accessed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/LakeshoreFamilyFH/

Gregory's family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Saphner, the staff of Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, and the team of Sharon S. Richardson Hospice, for their tender care, as well as Father Matthew Colle, and other members of St. Francis of Assisi, for their faithful visits and spiritual care.

Greg is celebrating with Jesus in heaven, and he would want us to celebrate with him. Please do not feel obligated to wear black. He loved color, and would love to have seen the entirety of God’s palette as we remember him.

(In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been set up in Gregory’s name.)

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