Robert (Bob) Sauer, 67, of Prior Lake died on December 1, 2020 with family by his side, from complications of myelofibrosis.
Bob was born October 11, 1953 in Koizumi, Japan, to Richard J. and Helen (Sugai) Sauer. He spent his first three years in Japan and then moved with his parents to La Crosse, WI.
Bob graduated with a B.A in Art from Viterbo University, using his degree to work in graphic design for advertising agencies and corporations. Retired from Daikin Applied in 2019.
He married Rita Freiseis at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in 1981 and they spent many vacations visiting national and state parks throughout the country. Bob’s other favorite destination was the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, especially with fellow explorer and good friend John Borchardt.
Survived and dearly missed by wife Rita, mother Helen Kiyo Sauer, brother-in-law David (Sara) Freiseis, several nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins in America and Japan. Preceded in death by daughter Nicole and father Richard.
Bob was active in traditional Japanese taiko drumming and dance groups of the Twin Cities and will be missed by the many friends he made in classes and performing at community events.
Bob’s family offers special thanks to friends who generously registered to be a blood stem cell donor for Bob, even though his health deteriorated before he could receive a transplant.
Private Family Mass on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 11:00 AM. Friends and extended family are invited to stream by visiting St. Michael Catholic Church’s website: https://stmichael-pl.org.”
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Helen Winder
Dearest Rita,
We are deeply saddened to learn that Bob has lost his battle with cancer. We will hold our memories of Bob at Continental Ranch and of reconnecting in the Twin Cities close to our hearts.
Please accept our sympathies on your loss.
Helen and Robert Winder
Milt & Jackie Schmida
Rita and Helen, we want to express our sympathy and let you know that our thoughts are with you.
Debi Nielsen
Rita,
My deepest sympathy to you on Bob’s passing. He was great to work with, always pleasant to talk with and helpful. You are in my prayers.
Debi
Janet and Wes Wood
Aunt Helen and Rita, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of Bob. God be with you in these difficult days ahead. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Janet and Wes Wood (Milwaukee)
Michael Wilson
I met Bob while learning Japanese at Daikin. He was always a friendly face in the hall and I enjoyed practicing my Japanese with him. I’m sure he will be missed.
Steve and Helga Sauer
Rita and Helen,
What a beautiful service you had for Bob. The music was awesome and very meaningful. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers in the days to come. It was always awesome sitting and talking to you guys at the reunions and when we visited you at your place. Remember the great memories that you shared and these will help you get through the tough times ahead. Blessings to both of you!