Dennis John Sauer

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Dennis John Sauer, 80, of Saint Michael, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He was surrounded by the love of his family.

Dennis was born and raised in Minneapolis and Coon Rapids. He attended Anoka High School, where he played hockey. Following high school, Dennis proudly answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. He attended Officer Candidate School where he earned the rank as Captain Dennis J. Sauer and served four years in the Army. During the Vietnam
War, he served as a platoon leader, leading his fellow soldiers with courage and dedication. Later, while stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he met the love of his life, Kay Lillard. Their chance meeting began a beautiful journey together, and they shared 55 wonderful years of marriage. After his military service, Dennis remained deeply committed to his community. His love of hockey continued long after his playing days, and he proudly served on the Anoka Hockey Association board for more than 40 years, helping support generations of young athletes. The Anoka Hockey Association just handed out the first annual Dennis J. Sauer Scholarship award in honor of his dedication to the Anoka Hockey program. 

Dennis was known for his warm heart, strong work ethic, and easygoing personality. He never met a stranger and was well liked by everyone who knew him. He especially loved spending time with his family, who meant everything to him. Golf was one of Dennis's greatest passions. Whether he was playing around with friends or family, watching tournaments on television, or talking about the game, golf brought him endless enjoyment. One of his greatest wishes during his illness was to recover enough to play one final round with his son—a reflection of both his love for the game and the time he treasured with his family.

Dennis believed in the value of hard work. He spent many years working alongside his brothers at Tiller Corporation. Retirement didn't suit him for long, so he purchased and operated Conrad Mechanical, LLC, where he worked for another 10 years, enjoying the opportunity to stay active and continue doing what he loved.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Geraldine Sauer; his sister, Sharon Rustman; and his twin brothers, Keith and Gary Sauer.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Kay (Lillard) Sauer; his daughter, Stacey (Dion) Wiggins and son Christopher (Erin) Sauer. He will be greatly missed by his grandchildren; Peyton Sauer, Jade, Avery, and Ashlyn Resner, Trey, Tristin, Trevon, and Tavian Wiggins, adopted son Isaiah Marshall; Hunter, Landon, Braedan, Maya, Alexa, and Gianna Sauer; great-grandsons Mason and Myles Fieber. Dennis is also survived by many extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were made brighter by knowing him.

Dennis will be remembered for his courage, integrity, kindness, unwavering work ethic, love of golf and hockey, and above all, his devotion to his family. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, and he will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.

Visitation Friday, July 10, 2026 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at Westbridge Church (11600 Frankfort Pkwy NE, St. Michael) with Funeral Services to follow at 11:00 am. Lunch will be served following the service at church.

Services entrusted to Dare's Funeral Home, Elk River. 763-441-1212. www daresfuneralservice.com