Donald "Don" Sauer, of Port Washington passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, June 18, 2021 at the age of 89 years. He was born June 26, 1931 in Port Washington, son of Norbert and Hulda (nee Dommer) Sauer. He was a graduate of Port Washington High School, Class of '49, and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin Madison Graduate School of Banking. Don served in the United States Army in Germany from 1951-1953.
Mr. Sauer began his banking career at the Port Washington State Bank , working from June, 1949 until November, 1951. After returning from his service in the Army, he began working at the 1st National Bank in Port Washington where he worked until March, 1995, then returned to Port Washington State Bank from April, 1995 until retiring in January, 2016. A total of 65 years in banking.
On June 18, 1955, Don married Alice Moy at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mondovi, WI. Alice preceded him in death on February 7, 2007. Together, Don and Alice visited 63 countries on 6 continents as well as all 50 states. Don and Alice were well known on the square dancing circuit and both enjoyed water skiing. Mr. Sauer was a lifelong member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Port Washington where he served as treasurer of the congregation for 50 years. He was also a member of Van Ells-Schanen Post 82 American Legion and Rotary International, where he served as a Past President and Treasurer of the local club and the District Treasurer for many years. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow.
Don always enjoyed working with people; he served on the Port Washington City Planning Commission for a year and on the city Board of Public Works for almost 30 years (most of them as chairman), and was a member of the Chamber of Commerce.
He is survived by his children Mike (Lora) Sauer of Port Washington and Donna (Randall) Hastreiter of Marshfield, 6 grandchildren: Daniel Sauer, Jonathan (Ping) Sauer, Christopher (Jessica) Hastreiter, Kathryn (Chandler) Nelson, Stephen (Ellissa) Hastreiter and Andrew (Jennifer) Hastreiter. He is further survived by sisters- and brothers-in-law Delores Staats of Chippewa Falls, Roland (Barbara) Moy of Boone, NC, and Carolyn (Dwight) Jaquish of Forest Lake, MN, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, his parents, and his sister Arlene Schroeder.
Funeral Services will take place at 5PM on Friday, June 25th at St. John's Lutheran Church, 217 Freeman Dr., in Port Washington. Pastor John Klieve will preside. Don will be laid to rest beside his wife with military honors the following day at Union Cemetery, Port Washington. The family will receive visitors at the CHURCH on Friday, June 25, from 2PM until services at 5PM.
Memorials, if desired, are suggested in lieu of flowers to St. John's Lutheran Church or to the Van Ells-Schanen American Legion Post 82.
The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements; online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com .