William "Bill" Sarauer

William Peter Sarauer (Bill) was born on January 6, 1944, in Bloomer, Wisconsin, to Paul and Eleanor (Hable) Sarauer. He was raised in Bloomer and built a life deeply rooted in faith, family, and hard work.

On August 6, 1966, Bill married the love of his life, Lois Bowe. Their marriage was a beautiful example of commitment, faithfulness, and quiet devotion. Bill was an amazing husband who always made sure Lois was cared for - right up until the very end. Together they built a strong, loving home and raised their four children. They shared nearly six decades of life side by side.

Bill spent his life farming his family's land, which now continues into its fourth generation of ownership - a testament to his dedication and stewardship. Farming was more than an occupation; it was a calling and a legacy.

Bill regularly attended church and was a man of steady, faithful prayer. He faithfully lifted up his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in prayer, carrying each of them in his heart.

Bill found joy in the simple and meaningful rhythms of life - especially time spent with those he loved. He enjoyed car rides to the farm just to check in. This was his quiet way of staying connected to the farm and making sure everyone was doing well. He loved feeding and watching the birds and squirrels. When he was in good health, he enjoyed chopping wood and spending time outdoors. He also looked forward to morning coffee with friends, valuing conversation and community - but his greatest joy was always his family.

In his children's eyes, Bill was known as a perfect dad - never raising his voice, always talking through things with patience and understanding (after deferring to Mom first). He was selfless, hardworking, and steady. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he led with gentleness and strength.

Bill also shared a special family bond with his brothers - the three Sarauer brothers each married a sister from the same Bowe family, weaving their families together in a unique and lasting way.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Lois; his children, Paul (Staci) Sarauer, Steve (Connie) Sarauer, Yvonne (Ray) Saxe, and Mary (Kevin Bruhn) Marquardt; his grandchildren, Justin (Jennifer), Garrett, & Maggie Sarauer; Kayla (Nick) Hable & Amanda (Jedd) Bohl; Molli (Jordan) Doornink, Megan, Emma (Kevin), Allyson (Christian), Katheryn (Wyatt), & Sarah (Seth) Saxe; Tate (Megan) Warring, Alecia (Dylan) Tomczak, & Joel Marquardt; & 13 cherished great-grandchildren, brother Daniel (Jeanette) Sarauer; sister-in-laws Marlene Sarauer, Lorena Stoffel, Marjorie Dressel, Diane (Dennis) Sarauer; brother-in-laws Dale Boos & Richard Bowe; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Sarauer; mother & father-in-law, Leonard & Gertrude Bowe; sister-in-laws, Donna Boos, Rita & Anne Marie Bowe; and brother-in-laws, John Stoffel & Dennis Dressel

The greatest measure of his life was not in the acres he farmed, but in the family he loved and the faith he lived. While his family grieves his absence, they find comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior, reunited with loved ones who went before him.

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 28, 2026, at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Bloomer with Father Victor Feltes celebrating the Mass. Burial will be at South Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. Visitation will be held prior to Mass on February 28, from 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at the Thompson Funeral Home.