David Elyot Sawyer

David Elyot Sawyer
Died: April 21, 2024 in Bloomington, MN
David (Dave) Elyot Sawyer, age 83, passed away in his Bloomington, MN home, 4/21/24. Dave was born in Ottawa, IL to Elyot and Helyn (Hong) Sawyer. He graduated from St.Olaf College (1963) where he studied English and Philosophy, played trumpet in the orchestra, and met the love of his life, Sally, on orchestra tour. He obtained his Master's and PhD in 17th Century Literature at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1970). He went on to teach English Literature at Lycoming College (Williamsport, PA), Normandale Community College (Bloomington, MN), and North Hennepin Community College (Brooklyn Center, MN). He also partnered with his father, in Ottawa, IL with Mass Mutual Insurance, raising his children with Sally as a 6th-generation Sawyer on a farm in LaSalle County.
He was a "Friend of Bill W." celebrating 32 years of sobriety the week prior to his death; calling it "a miracle, one day at a time," and naming it as his 2nd greatest accomplishment. Dave looked with humble awe and gratitude at his wife, children, and grandchildren, his greatest joy and accomplishment, saying to Sally often, "look what we did!" He and Sally built a cabin in the woods of Burnett County, WI, where he could drive his John Deere tractor. He enjoyed singing tenor in the Peace Lutheran choir with Sally, listening to all kinds of music, and reading John Donne, Kierkegaard, Shakespeare, Dickens, Frost, and many others. He is described by all as a gentle, thoughtful, mild mannered, witty, charming, and delightfully quirky man of deep Lutheran faith. He will be greatly missed by all the people he has touched.
He is preceded in death by his parents Elyot and Helyn Sawyer and brother Keith Sawyer. He will be missed terribly by wife of 61 years (Sally), dog (Frannie), children Mike (Beth) Sawyer, Nate (Jesse Davenport) Sawyer, and Martha (Brian Moen) Sawyer, along with grandchildren Adam, Mikkel, Erik, Emma, Ori Mae, and Arwen.
A memorial service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 8600 E. Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington, MN 55438, on Friday, May 3: Visitation at 10 am, Service at 11 am. Lunch will follow. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in his honor to Peace Lutheran Church or VEAP.org.