Michael Conrad Sauer

Michael Conrad Sauer was born on May 21, 1939, in Mason City, Iowa, to Robert and Billie Sauer. After living in Yakima and Vancouver, the family settled in Salem in 1949. He graduated from South Salem High School in 1957 and soon enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving until 1961 as a Crew Chief on an EC-121 “Super Connie” airborne early warning aircraft based at Point Mugu, California. He continued his military service in the Air National Guard from 1961 to 1977, attaining the rank of Tech Sergeant while working as a Mess Section Cook.

In civilian life, Mike worked in the floor covering and countertop industry for many years, including at his father’s business, Sauer Floor Coverings, from 1961 to 1973. He took quiet pleasure in reading, fishing, cooking, and sharing jokes and stories with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his wives, Rose in 1979 and Connie in 2017, and by his daughter Kellie Ivanhoff in 2010. He is survived by his sister Sharon Bates of Salem, Oregon, brother Dave Sauer and his wife Raquel of West Jordan, Utah, sister Jo Cottle and her husband Royce of Woodinville, Washington, daughter Karen Sauer and her partner Harvey Larsen of Mill City, Oregon, sons Conrad Sauer and his wife Angela of Grand Lake, Colorado, and Scott Sauer and his wife Carrie of Scottsdale, Arizona, along with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mike will be remembered for his humor, his deep love of family, and the stories he loved to tell. He was laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.