Louisville, KY, Kentucky
SAUER, GEORGE, 79, of Louisville, passed away at his home on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 with his loving family by his side.
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Viola Sauer, and his two brothers, Ed and Kenneth Sauer.
George graduated from Louisville Male High School. He served as Senior Class President and co-captain of the football team. He was awarded a football scholarship to Western Kentucky University where he earned his Bachelors, Masters and Rank I degrees in education.
His WKU football team won the 1952 Refrigerator Bowl. George was awarded the outstanding ROTC cadet at WKU and went on to serve in the US Army in Ft. Benning, GA and Germany for five years. He retired as a captain. He was a Ranger in the 100th Infantry. He served as football coach, assistant principal and principal at Shawnee High School and was named Coach of the Year in 1965. He was also the principal at DuPont Manual High School. After leaving Manual, George became Regional Superintendent for the Jefferson County Public Schools and Commissioner of Athletics and Activities for JCPS. He is a member of the Hall of Fame at Male, Manual and Shawnee, KHSAA, Football Coaches Association and the Louisville Sportsmen's Club. He received the Male High School Distinguished Alumni Award in 2008. George served as an elder of Jeffersontown Christian Church where he was a member for 40 years.
His passions included hunting, enjoying the sun and traveling and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, the former Charlene Sabens; son, Jeff (Phyllis); daughter, Jennie Ciliberti (Ed Creel); grandchildren, Brandon (Lindsay), Jenna and Kelsey Sauer; and sister-in-law, Louise Sauer.
George has touched the lives of so many people through his work with the education system in Louisville. He was adored and loved by many, especially his wife and children who will miss him so much.
His funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 10, 2010 at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, with burial in Cave Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Sunday at Highlands Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the George Sauer Football Scholarship Fund at WKU, c/o College Heights Foundation, 1906 College Heights Blvd. # 41016, Bowling Green, KY 42101 or to his church.
Fair, Gung-ho, Totally loyal to each school he served and brave. 77', my sophomore year, Manual had a race riot over court ordered busing. Mr. Sauer would have none of it and the situation was resolved in less than 24 hours! His enthusiasm at pep rallies more than made up for his handicap in singing ability. We could have done a lot worse. Class of 1979 will always remember you, sir!
MARK FORD
December 10, 2017 | Louisville, KY | Student
We just attended the ribbon cutting ceremony and dedication of the George Sauer Athletic Complex at duPont Manual High School. You would have been so proud and even though you couldn't be there, we hope you know how very, very proud we were to be there as your family. You were a wonderful father-in-law and we all miss you so much!
Phyllis Sauer
June 07, 2010 | Louisvile, KY
Thanks to everyone who has posted on here, I learned a lot of great things about my grandpa that I never knew before! I love you Poppy and cannot wait until I get to see you again! You were such a great grandpa...we all miss you so much and things will never feel the same without you here with us! Hope you have a great 80th birthday, we all wish we could celebrate it with you! I'm going to try to do really good in school for the rest of my time at WKU and hopefully become a teacher, because I...
Jenna Brooke Sauer
June 06, 2010 | Louisville, KY
We are so blessed to have all of you who have written such inspiring memories of dad. He was not only a great person, but the best father in the world. I miss him so much but look forward to when I can see him again eternally. Until then, dad, rest in peace and know that we have a hole in our hearts and our lives on earth will never be the same without your smiling face and kindness to share everything with. Happy birthday June 11---may you have a party in heaven with all of your...
Jennie Sauer Ciliberti
June 02, 2010 | Louisville, KY
Give praise to our Father above that your earthly father was an inspiration to so many and so well loved.
May He comfort you and your family at this time.
Rosemary Nobles
May 19, 2010 | Louisville, KY
I remember Coach Sauer as a very well liked and respected coach and teacher at Shawnee. He was my teacher in my science class. I was in the class of 1964. Your family is in my prayers.
Judy (Reeves) Nalley
May 17, 2010 | Louisville, KY
TO THE FAMILY, MY PRAYER ARE WITH YOU ALL, MR.SAUER WAS MY PRINCIPLE WHEN I ATTENDED SHAWNEE HIGH IN 1968. HE WAS A VERY FAIR MAN WHEN HE HAD TO REALL DEAL WITH US STUDENTS. HE WILL BE MISSED.
INGRID BURGESS
May 17, 2010 | LOUISVILLE, KY
Jennie, although I never had the privilege to meet your Dad, I felt as though I knew him through you. Your eyes would (and still) light up everytime you talked about him (and that was a lot:-)!) What an incredible man he was and what a legacy to leave behind. Jennie, I see a lot of your father in you and I am proud to be your friend. Your gift of strength will help you through this. I am here for you. My heart goes out to all that knew and miss him. Love you, Iris
Iris Goode
May 14, 2010 | Crestwood, KY
My condolences to the family. I was a student at Shawnee High School while Mr. Sauer was principal. I feel it a privilege to have known him. His smile and kind manner are most memorable to me. He was very personable and always willing to listen and offer encouragement. My prayers go out to the family in the days ahead as you find comfort and peace in the many memories you have.
(Class of 1969)
Donna (Parrish) Rogers
May 13, 2010 | Manhattan, KS