Lawrence Sauer Sr.

Lawrence Benedict Sauer Sr., 90, of Staples died Saturday, May 14, 2011 at Lakewood Health System Care Center in Staples. Services for Lawrence will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Staples. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 18, from 5:00-7:00PM at Brenny Funeral Chapel in Staples with a prayer service at 6:45 PM. Interment will be at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Rice, MN.

Lawrence was born on May 4, 1921 in Rice, MN to Thaddeus and Amelia (Schneider) Sauer. He was united into marriage to Inez DesMarais on February 4, 1942 in St. Cloud, MN. He served in the US Navy from 1942-1945, and upon his discharge, Lawrence returned to work for the Northern Pacific/Burlington Northern Railroads. He retired in 1981, after 44 years with the railroad. Lawrence was a member of the Sauk Rapids VFW, Sartell American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.

Lawrence will be sadly missed by his children, Thomas (Yvonne) Sauer of Milaca, MN, Lawrence (Julie) Sauer Jr. of Cardiff by the Sea, CA, Francis (Kaye) Sauer of Sauk Rapids, MN, Michael (Diane) Sauer of Park Rapids, MN, Charlene Sauer of Staples, MN, James (Peggy) Sauer of Staples, MN, Cheryl Sauer of St. Francis, WI, Annette Sauer of Coon Rapids, MN, John Sauer of Chaska, MN, and Mary Kay (Ron) Hirsch of Becker, MN; one brother; twenty-nine grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; and many step-children; step-grandchildren; and step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Inez; second wife, Rita; his parents, Thaddeus and Amelia; children, Kathleen and Daniel; five sisters; and three brothers.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brenny Funeral Chapel in