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Michael J Sauerbrun
Michael J Sauerbrun
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Michael Sauerbrun Obituary
Michael dedicated his life to being a successful business owner as a general contractor for over 30 years in the San Bernardino, CA area and went on to carry out a dream of being a restaurant owner in the Highland, CA area. He was a source of strength and wisdom for his family and friends, always ready with a listening ear and sage advice. His love for football, traveling, and going on cruises brought joy to many, and he shared his passions generously.
He is survived by his loving wife Justine, mother Nancy, sister Jan, children Erick, Adam, and Madison, stepchildren Taylor and Jeremy, and grandchildren Kaiden, Ryder, Walker, and Colt who will carry on his legacy of love and resilience. Michael's spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
A celebration of Michael's life will be held on October 19, 2024 at the East Valley Water District 31111 Greenspot Rd Highland, CA 92346 at 1:00pm. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend.
He will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all.
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Laura Reber Milburn
July 22, 2025
I´m so very sorry to hear that Michael has passed away. Michael, his Jan sister and I used to play for hours while together growing up. We lived on Sierra Way and they lived on Lugo. His parents were always so sweet. They had a doughboy pool that we swam in all the time. His mother always had so many treats for the neighborhood kids. Michael, I hear you´re a very special person and God will watch over you. It´s been years since I´ve seen you probably since elementary school. I heard you were doing very in life and I´m so happy to hear that.
God Bless you and your family.
Godspeed.. Laura Reber
Barbara Wynn Terry
April 22, 2025
I'm sad to hear of Mikes passing. He was a family friend for many years and like a brother to myself and siblings. My father treated him like a son and was a great friend to him. Rest in peace Mike. Prayers to all his family.
Josh Fugitt
October 19, 2024
Growing up as a kid I always wanted to be like my cousin Mikey. He had the house, the wife, the kids, the cars, his own business. I always looked up to him. He was an all around amazing man. Never got to say this recently, but I love you and when I talk to grandma I´ll be sure to talk to you too! Until next time
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Donald Burgess
October 19, 2024
I first met Mike when we were 11-12 years old old. Miles´s dad and grandfather coached the baseball team that we played for. Mike was catcher and I pitched. We had a great time throwing the ball back and forth.
Vonda Z.
October 17, 2024
In the early days of our restaurant DJ´s Mike was there every Saturday after his little league game with his Dad. We watched his whole life unfold. It´s ups and downs and we all became good friends. He was especially good friends with my late husband, John. I believe this is what sparked his interest in the restaurant business.
I will always remember Mike sitting at the counter with coffee in hand talking to all, having a great time.
He was one of the good guys!
Rest in peace Mike I´ll see you later.
Vonda Z.
Stephen Lyter
October 15, 2024
As an officer for many years in SB working graveyard shift, I would always head to DJs restaurant on 40th Street in the early morning hours to have breakfast before my shift ended.
I would see Mike and a core group of other regulars in there, sometimes eating breakfast, always drinking coffee, and regularly giving their opinion on whatever conversation was taking place at that time.
Mike would always ask how I was doing, how my shift went, and once the polite formalities were out of the way he would then state, "I pay your salary...you are overpaid...you need to get out there and handle crime. "
When I was growing up, people used to tell me that no matter where my dad went in town, someone recognized him and considered him a friend. I believe with all my heart that Mike was that same man in San Bernardino, California.
Rest in peace Mike and know that your life mattered, did have meaning, and you will always be cherished.
Stephen Lyter
Jay & Teri Plowy
October 15, 2024
Jay & Teri Plowy
October 15, 2024
Hi, my name is Jay Plowy, and my wife Teri and I are the parents of Justine who became the beloved companion of Michael Sauerbrun.
I first met Michael about eight years ago when Justine fell in love with him. Not long after, they became a couple truly inseparable in their love.
So, who was Michael, this incredible person who touched the lives of so many and will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, especially in the hearts of my daughter, their children, their families, and countless others?
Here are just a few words that barely capture the man Michael was: a loving and caring father, husband, and friend. He wore many hats in life-he was a building contractor, painter, bartender, cook, restaurateur, real estate owner, traveler, fisherman, and property developer. He was also a coach, sports lover, umpire, and a fan of coffee, donuts, and animals-especially dogs. Michael was, in every sense, a great friend to many a good, honest, personable, and caring human being, and a great father who truly loved Justine.
One story that beautifully captures his love and character is about his beloved black Doberman Pincher named Gigi. Gigi had been badly mistreated before Michael rescued her from a local pound. The dog was so traumatized that Michael cradled and slept with her in his arms for a week, with gentle love comforting her. Eventually, Gigi came to understand Michael's love and became his faithful companion, always at his side, obeying his every instruction without hesitation a loving trusting bond developed throughout their lives. When the Gigi passed on, Michael held her in his arms for hours, weeping for his dear friend. This loss stayed with Michael until his final days.
"Love your neighbor as yourself" was also a central part of Michael's identity. You could see this clearly if you ever visited his home. Unlike most, whose garage doors are locked and closed, Michael's garage door was always open, his precious tools and toys on display for everyone to see without fear. He would invite neighbors in to chat, watch sports, and connect with one another. On holidays, and personal events Michael and Justine would barbecue and cook for family, neighbors, and friends, creating a warm, welcoming space for everyone to enjoy-each group finding their place whether through family bonds, friendship, or shared interests in sports and conversation on a verity of topics flowed easily.
Teri and I came to love and appreciate Michael deeply. We understood that he was a man whose heart overflowed with love and passion, which he generously shared with everyone he encountered, especially his loving companion in life Justine, and wherever anyone was on their individual journey through life.
Michael, you are truly missed and will always be in our hearts, minds, and prayers,
Love always, Jay & Teri
Phillip L Barrios
September 29, 2024
As a sports official - I worked with Mike during softball, football and basketball seasons. During softball season we had a High school softball game together. On my way to the game I got into a car accident. I called Mike and without hesitation he assured me that he would officiate the game and everything would be okay. Mike was understanding and wanted me to take care of myself and the situation. Thank you Mike. You are going to be missed! Your Friend Phillip
Jj Light
September 29, 2024
The first time I met Michael was when I thought there was an intruder in the house and I was home alone. I was going room to room clearing the rooms with a handgun in my hand. I was nervous. I was shaking. I was talking to my husband Roger on the phone. Roger told me he was going to call a friend called Michael and I was to meet him outside the house. When Michael got there I didn´t really believe he was there to help me. I might´ve even asked him to show me an ID lol. He just kept telling me to hand him the gun. He helped me in that time of crisis and we were able to laugh about the whole situation years later. He was a wonderful and generous friend who will truly be missed.
Brian Dickenson
September 28, 2024
I'm Mike and Justine's pool man. And one time me and my girlfriend bumped into Mike and Justine at Kay's Cafe over here in Highland when we were going in to have breakfast. And as they were heading out, Mike was heading to pay the bill and they said their goodbyes and little did I know Mike went ahead and paid my bill in advance. I didn't even know until my meal was done when the waitress came over and said that Mike had paid my bill in advance. It was such a cool thing to do. That's what I remember the most about Mike, he was such a cool guy! I always do their pool on Friday mornings. He'd always come out and say hello and tell me to have a good day but also give me a little banter in a joking way... I'm going to miss seeing you on Friday mornings buddy! Rest in peace my friend!
Your friend Brian Dickenson.
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