At 85 years old, Norman John Sauer of Sutherland, passed away with his cherished wife by his bedside at his home.

Norman was born the youngest of five children to Alfred and Opal (Jenkins) Sauer on July 19, 1940, in Big Springs, NE.  Attending high school in Ogallala through his sophomore year, Norman decided to pursue his aspiration of joining the United States Navy and left high school to enlist on May 16, 1960.  During this time, he met Carol McBride and the two married on October 13, 1961.  After being honorably discharged in 1964, Norman worked briefly as a ranch hand for McGinley's Ranch while he and his wife raised their children, Doug, Johnny, and Jackie.  After several years of companionship, the couple chose to end their marriage and Norman went to work at the Ogallala plant, where he eventually met his soulmate, Dixie Lamm.  Norman and Dixie wed in 1975 in Hershey and spent 50 wonderful years together.  Norman began work as a service tech for the Ogallala gas company and later for Great Plains Communications after the couple settled in Sutherland.

Norman was an easy-going man, letting things happen and only worrying about the things he could control.  He was an outdoors man in all aspects, spending a lot of time hunting and especially, fishing.  He could out fish most people, even when his eyesight started to decline in his later years.  Norman taught a great number of people how to water ski and he loved camping with his friends and family.  Gardening was a natural talent, his kids holding fond memories of planting potatoes all over the sandhills as children to later harvest the following season.  Norman was an excellent protector of his family, especially of his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Dixie Sauer of Sutherland; children, Doug Sauer of Ardmore, OK, John Sauer of Ogallala, and Jackie (Alan) Bowers of Midwest City, OK; grandchildren, Drake (Breezy) Sauer, Dru (Autumn) Sauer, Tanner Bowers, Kendra (Jeff) Drebes, Adam Bowers, Justin Bowers, and Kaylynn Bowers; 4 great grandchildren; sister, Norma Shockley of Cheyenne, WY; beloved friend of the family, Judie Sauer; and other family.

Preceding Norman in death were his parents; brothers, Bill, and Walter Sauer; sister, Fritz McBride; triplets, Timmy, Tammy, Tommy.

Memorials are suggested to the Navy SEAL Foundation and online expressions of sympathy can be left at www.carpentermemorial.com.

A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 11 AM at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland, NE.  Visitation will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 12 PM to 7 PM with family receiving friends from 5 PM to 7 PM at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.