Walter Charles Sauer

MADISON - Our very loving father, Walt Sauer, passed away on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. He was born on March 7, 1924, in Madison, Wis., to Hannah and Carl Sauer. He had two younger brothers, Carl and Richard, who preceded him in death. Dad recently celebrated his 98th birthday with his loving family. Walt graduated from Central High School in 1942. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 during World War II. Dad was extremely proud of his military service. He was also extremely thankful to all who made it possible for him to go on the Badger Honor Flight on May 4, 2013. He took that memorable trip with his brother, Carl, who had also served in World War II. Their escorts were his son-in-law, Dan, and Carl’s grandson, Cameron, who were also veterans. Walt became a steamfitter in 1951 and in 1963 supervisor of the steamfitters for the UW-Madison. In 1947, Walt married his loving wife, Peggy Knoche Sauer, and they had 48 beautiful years together until she passed. They had three wonderful children, Steve Sauer (Liz Gorman), Debbie Rustick (Dan) and Jane Sauer, that meant the world to him. He also has four grandchildren who he deeply loved, Dana Rice (Brad), Denise Czeskleba (Adam), Danielle Rustick (Ivan Reeb) and D. J. Rustick. Walt also loved his four great-grandchildren, Austin and Brandon Rice, and Payton and Matthew Frisch. His family was one of the most important things to him. We loved him so much because besides being the sweetest, kindest, most wonderful father and Grandpa, he always put everyone else first. He had the most amazing smile, and his quick sense of humor could always make you laugh. He was a very wise, caring, and thoughtful person and everyone loved him. Dad had a great love for the outdoors and loved hunting at his cabin in Necedah, fishing, golfing, card playing and traveling. His favorite destination was always Moon Palace in Cancun. He also was a life-long member of the Elks. He was a great Badgers and Packers fan. Walt married Dianne Redsten in 1997, and they would have celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary in June. They traveled the world together and cheered on the Mallards with their friends. She also did a tremendous job taking care of him the last few years during his illness and we are grateful for her loving care for Dad. Also thank you to Agrace HospiceCare for their great care for our dad. Having spent decades of holidays and vacations with Walt, Dianne’s children, Lynn Connors (Mark), Mark Redsten (Peggy Scallon) and Ann Jansen (Eckart) and grandchildren, Amanda, Nicholas and Kelsey Connors, Oliver and Genevieve Redsten, and Rachel, Laura and Sarah Jansen, have many warm memories and are thankful for the years of companionship Walt provided Dianne. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 9, 2022, with Father Randy Timmerman presiding. Friends and family wishing to attend via livestream may do so by visiting Walt’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at 11 a.m. on Monday and clicking the “Watch Event” link. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the start of the Mass on Monday. Military honors will follow the ceremony along with a luncheon at the church. Burial will be at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Dennis Catholic Church, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, WI, 53714, the Madison Elks Lodge No. 410, 711 Jenifer St., Madison, WI 53703, Agrace HospiceCare, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711, or a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608) 221-5420