Jacob Lee Sauer

1987 - 2024

Jacob Lee Sauer
Born: September 15, 1987 in Ottawa, IL
Died: December 4, 2024 in St. Augustine, FL
Jacob Lee Sauer, 37, of St. Augustine, FL, formerly of Ottawa, passed away on Wednesday December 4, 2024 at the Community Hospice Bailey Family Center for Caring.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday December 12, 2024 at the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa, with Rev. Jonathan Walker, Pastor of Grace Baptist Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the funeral home.
Jacob was born on September 15, 1987 in Ottawa to Gary Lee Sauer and Deborah Ann Dennis. Jacob was born with cerebral palsy, and spent a few years getting strength with the help of the Easter Seals. Jacob's mom made him work hard and strive to be the best that he could be and do the most that he could possibly do. It was quite impressive watching how he was so willing to learn and he was very strong, but sometimes not in the right way because his body wouldn't allow that, but he was a warrior with a soft heart. Later he moved into regular school classes that were specialized for special-needs children, and he loved the socialization. Although Jake could not talk or walk, he had his own way of communicating and anybody that knew him, knew that crinkled brow was not a good thing. He enjoyed moving to South Carolina and having his companion service dog Jasmine, as they were inseparable. Jacob liked the outdoors, the countryside, and doing field trips with his mother and his 10 year-long companion nurse, Miss Linda. With changes in life after 31 years of being able to stay at home, he became a resident at Calhoun County nursing home in Saint Matthews, SC, at the time of Covid. He beat the odds when he had Covid, and was transferred to Florida in St Augustine health and rehab, where he spent the last three years of his life before his illness took over and the final battle was lost. In that time, he spent many days with the sun on his back and feet in the sand and water. Jacob enjoyed soaking up the sun with his shades on and the day with mom trying not to sunburn him. He was a cool dude. He also liked fishing at the pier. Jake had a love for church at Grace Baptist in South Carolina. Jacob liked all kinds of music. Jake was an inspiration with his laughter, it was contagious. His beautiful blue eyes and time here were the best gift.
He is survived by his mother, Deborah Dennis of Palm Coast, FL; grandmother, Sally Ann Dennis of Ottawa; sister, Jeniel Lynn (Jeff) Skinner; three nephews, Antoine Brown III, Elijah Brown, and JaVari Skinner; uncle, James Richard (Colleen) Dennis; two aunts, Denise Deckard and Diana Dennis; and many cousins.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gary Lee Sauer; his uncle, Steven Dennis; maternal grandfather, Richard Eugene Dennis; and paternal grandparents Butch and Odessa Sauer.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433