John R Sauer

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Fitchburg

Will cherish all the fabulous memories of our time in Minnesota cheering on our boys in college hockey ! We love this family and will truly miss you John ! Forever peace with the Lord our friend 😘

John's smile and warmth filled every room he entered! I will always remember what a special person he was - insightful, thoughtful, caring and committed - and those are just a few of his many attributes!

I enjoyed the collaboration over the years which lead to a friendship with John. I loved his positive spirit, innovation and visionary leadership! John was a founding member of Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL) and receive the first Heather Bruemmer Lifetime Achievement Award for Assisted Living Quality

John touched the lives of everyone who knew him personally—as a trusted peer, a shared laugh on the golf course, a mentor, and someone who made you better by being in his orbit. His wisdom, kindness, and since of humor left a lasting mark on everyone. At the same time, his tireless commitment to good public policy extended far beyond those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. Through his advocacy and leadership, John helped shape policies that improved the lives of countless seniors across Wisconsin, many of whom will never know his name but will live better because of his work. John also married extraordinarily well. Anyone who knew him knew that Kathy was his partner, his compass, and the love of his life. And while John accomplished more than most in through his hard work, the one thing he didn’t quite manage to finalize was to fully transform CMS. Knowing John, I have no doubt he’s already talking to someone about regulatory reform. Rest in peace, John. You were and will always be a very big deal.