Russell Theodore Sauer

Russell Theodore Sauer
Russell Theodore Sauer, known affectionately as Ted to his loved ones, passed away peacefully in Yorkville, Illinois, surrounded by the warmth of his family's love. Born May 17, 1941, in Woodstock, Illinois, Ted's journey began with a childhood that set the foundation for a life marked by diligence, creativity, and a boundless passion for mechanics.
Ted's formative years were spent in Yorkville, where he moved at the tender age of one. He learned the value of hard work early on, helping his father with the crops and livestock on their family farm. This work ethic stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Yorkville High School and graduated in the class of 1959. Drafted in November 1963, Ted served in the US Army, 1st Infantry Battalion (Big Red One), A Company, 18th Infantry. He specialized in Weapons Infantry and was awarded the expert, sharpshooter, and marksman badges, along with the combat infantry badge. He was honorably discharged in September of 1965, after serving at Cameron Bay during the Vietnam conflict.
Prior to his departure to honor his military service, he married his former wife, Sarah ("Sallie") Bauman, on December 23, 1963. His career as a car mechanic in Aurora allowed him to indulge in his love for automobiles, saving meticulously to purchase a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette-a prized possession he loved to drive and held on to for many years. Ted's hands were rarely still, as he was always fixing or building something, often working into the night but never missing an episode of his favorite TV show, "Dallas."
In 1971, Ted undertook the monumental task of building his own house in downtown Yorkville. His family moved into the unfinished home, where Ted, ever the resourceful builder, completed it bit by bit. His skills were not limited to his own home; he was known in the area for his trenching work and his reputation as a hard worker who would be called upon to dig on various job sites. He often brought his children to job sites, put them to work, and gladly welcomed their help.
Ted's legacy in Yorkville was further cemented when he accepted a position for Wilman-Groesch General Contractors. His work as a contractor continued well into his mid-70s, building and fixing homes and commercial buildings with an unwavering commitment to honesty and quality.
A man of many talents, Ted's passion for mechanics was evident in everything he touched. From tinkering with dirt bikes and snowmobiles to creating tools when the existing ones wouldn't suffice, he was the epitome of ingenuity. Sundays after church were reserved for family outings, where he shared his love for motors with his children.
In 1996, Ted returned to live on the family farm, where his passion for digging and the earth blossomed. He meticulously dug out his home's crawl space to install a heating system and addressed any field drainage issues with his backhoe. His final years were spent at Cedarhurst of Yorkville, where he was embraced by a caring community that supported him until the end.
Ted is survived by his loving daughters, Donna ("DJ") Chartrand of Yorkville, IL, Bonnie (Byron) Gibson of Bellevue, NE, Deborah (Rich) Bedre of Shreveport, LA; his loving son, Nathan (Jane) Sauer of Salmon Creek, WA; his cherished grandchildren, Erika (Efren) Gonzalez, Madelyn (Andrew) Winovich, Jordan, Rachael, and Lucas Gibson, Russell (Baylie) Bedre, Karleen (Matthew) Standridge, Aubrey and Zion Sauer; and his sister, Beverly (Dean) Baer and his nieces of Ankeny, IA. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell J. Sauer and Ethel R. Sauer, and his sister, Marjorie Kapschull.
Ted will be remembered as a creative, handy, and generous man whose hands shaped not only the structures around him but also the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy of hard work, ingenuity, and dedication to family will continue to inspire for generations to come.
Visitation will take place from 9:00 am-12:00 pm Saturday , April 5, 2025 at Bauman Family Funeral Home 5600 US Route 34, Oswego, Illinois 60543. Funeral Service will begin at 12:00 p.m. Interment Pavilion Cemetery, Yorkville, Illinois.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Yorkville American Legion Post 489.
For more information visit www.baumanfamilyfuneralhome.com or call 630-554-9779.