Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Sauers, Dennis Paul Sr.  December 23, 2025
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Patricia Currigan currigan1932@concast.net May 25, 2026, 10:17 pm

Hasting's Reminder - Saturday January 8, 2026

DENNIS PAUL SAUERS Sr. passed peacefully on December 23, 2025, in the home he 
loved, surrounded by the family who meant everything to him.

Born on Independence Day in 1938 in South Haven,MI, Dennis embraced that 
independent spirit early and carried it proudly throughout his life. Raised in 
Lake Odessa, Dennis grew into a gifted athlete and a spirited competitor. He 
graduated from Lake Odessa High School in 1956, excelling in four sports, and 
went on to play one season of college football at Olivet College.

Shortly after graduation, Dennis proudly served in the United States Army and 
was stationed in Korea from 1956 to 1958, an experience that helped shape his 
discipline and perspective. His love of sports never faded, though he famously 
never met a referee he liked-unless the Lakewood Viking (or his team of choice) 
won, in which case he was willing to offer temporary approval. His competitive 
nature was always balanced by his quick wit, warm heart, and unmistakable sense 
of humor.

Dennis retired after a long and successful career as a plant manager for Wyeth 
Laboratories in Lake Odessa, where he was highly respected by colleagues and 
employees alike. Beyond his professional achievements, he was deeply involved in 
his community, coaching many sports teams throughout his life and sharing his 
love of athletics,mentorship, and teamwork with countless young people.

At the heart of Dennis's life was his faith in God through Jesus Christ and his 
deep love for his family. He shared a remarkable 66 years marriage with his 
beloved wife, Barbara Jo (Goodemoot) Sauers, who survives him and was his 
partner, teammate and greatest blessing. their life together was built on faith, 
loyalty, laughter, and no small amount of patience.

Dennis loved nothing more than telling his many funny, rich, and colorful 
stories, which somehow improved with every telling and were a treasured  part of 
every family gathering.He always cherished the opportunity to watch his children 
and grandchildren participate in their many activities, cheering proudly, 
offering advice (requested or not), and celebrating every accomplishment. He 
also had a special nickname for each, a small but cherished way of showing his 
love and connection.

An outdoorsman at heart. Dennis enjoyed hunting, fishing, reading, and spending 
time outside. In his later years, some of his most peaceful- and occasionally 
entertaining-moments were spent bird watching from the porch of his log home, 
keeping a watchful eye on nature and offering quiet commentary on its daily 
operations.

Dennis was passionate, lovingly witty, highly respected and deeply loved.His 
legacy lives on in the faith he shared, the family he cherished, and the 
laughter and stories that will continue to echo wherever loved ones gather.  

Dennis is also survived by his half siblings, Soni (Mark) Latz & Dirk (Kay) 
Besko, his children, Joni Sauers, Paul Sauers, Sharon (Roger) Catt, and Dennis 
(Tina) Sauers Jr.,as well as 14 grandchildren & 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Paul O. Sauers; mother, Donna B.
(Scheidt/Sauers),step-father, Henry R. Besko; sister, Toby (Bill) Hanson; and 
brother, Monte Sauers.

In honor of Dennis's life, any monetary gifts may be made in his name to the 
charity of ones choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at Kilpatrick United 
Brethren Church on Saturday, Jan.31, 1-4 p.m., 10005 E.Barnum Rd., Woodland,MI 
48897. A privated ceremony for family will be held at Fort Custer Cemetery in 
Battle Creek on a future date.

Additional Comments:
U.S. Army Korea
Fort Custer Cem.
Battle Creek,MI

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/s/sauers49388nob.txt

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