John Francis Sauer

John Francis Sauer, 80 of Libby passed away of natural causes Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, at Kalispell Regional Medical Center. He was born Dec. 18, 1937, in Cass Lake, Minnesota, to Chris and Frances Sauer. The family moved to Libby in 1952, where his father Chris worked for J. Neils Lumber Company and his mother Frances would work for St. John’s Lutheran Hospital.

John attended and graduated from Libby High School in 1955. During his high school years John was a member of the charter 1953 American Legion Baseball team for 16- to 18-year-olds. John helped lead the 1955 team to the State Championship in which he was the winning pitcher, striking out 17 batters. This is an accomplishment he would so fondly remind us all about.

John served in the U.S. Army reserves from 1957 to 1964. He went to work in the logging industry shortly after high school graduation for the J. Neils Lumber Company. He was employed by J. Neils, Champion and Stimson until his retirement. He worked in the planer, powerhouse and shipping departments before transferring to the logging department in 1962. John was promoted to logging superintendent for J. Neils Lumber Company in 1975. In 1977 he started Sauer logging, which he operated until 1979. Afterward he returned to St. Regis.

In 1957 John met Judy McAllister, the love of his life, and they married in June of 1958. They would go on to raise a family of three in Libby.

John was involved in the Babe Ruth League for two years as president and participated in the men’s softball league for several years. He also served on the City Council as the Park Committee chairman. John enjoyed fishing and camping with the family. He also enjoyed the woods so much that he even collected Christmas trees for various families in Libby. John was quite the practical joker and often pulled pranks on his friends that knew him well.

One of the things John loved most was being a grandfather to his grandsons, Ryan and Nick. He was a very loving husband and father. He worked tirelessly to provide the very best for his family. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Chris and Frances Sauer; his brothers, Charles Sauer and Chauncey Sauer; and his grandson, Ryan Sauer.

His is survived by his wife, Judy, of Libby; his children, John of Williamsburg, Virginia, Scott (Allison) of Riverton, Utah, and Sally Sauer of Libby; his grandson Nick (Heather) Sauer of Riverton, Utah; his sisters, Pat Carrier of Libby and Marlyn Sauer of Moses Lake, Washington; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2018, at the City of Libby Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Sally Sauer Medical Foundation or Wings Foundation of Libby would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements are by Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby.

Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.Schnackenbergfh.com.