Gary B. Sauer

1944 - 2026

Gary B. Sauer (81) of St. Paul died peacefully at home on March 25, 2026. He was surrounded by family and close friends during his final days.

Gary was born in Minneapolis to Geraldine and Bernard Sauer and graduated from Anoka High School and the Minnesota School of Business.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Sharon Rustman; twin brother, Keith Sauer; and grandson, Tristan Morrissey.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Patricia, and children: Chad (Jennifer) and Corey Sauer, Jessica (Jason) Nickelson, and Stephanie Sauer. He will be greatly missed by his nine grandchildren: Samantha (Eddie), Nicholas (Britanny), Thomas, and Joseph Sauer; Anna, Ellie, and Chase Nickelson; and Jack and Max Morrissey. Gary is also survived by his brother, Dennis (Kay) Sauer and extended family members.

Gary was a highly respected businessman and entrepreneur, known for his innovative stewardship at Barton Sand & Gravel/Tiller Corporation, where he expanded operations and supported community initiatives. Under his guidance, Tiller was recognized nationally as a leader in the road materials industry. For Gary, caring for his employees was the key to building an exceptional organization that had a strong family-centered culture. It was this dedication to his employees that earned Tiller the honor of being named a Top 10 Employer in the United States by the Principal Financial Group in a New York Times article. Additionally known for his many land development projects, Gary was proud of his integral role in the development of downtown Maple Grove and was also honored by the Association of General Contractors of Minnesota with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

An avid golfer, Gary bought countless sets of clubs that he gifted to anybody looking to take up the game. His family often joked that once he tired of buying putters he decided to move on to buying golf courses. He was most proud of his flagship course, Troy Burne Golf Course, in Hudson, WI. Gary wanted it to be a premier facility, and with the help of his employees, Troy Burne was awarded one of the Top 100 Public Courses in the country by Golf Digest magazine.

Gary was passionate about helping underserved youth gain access to a high-quality Catholic education and was a founding board member of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. He loved being a mentor to young children and rising adults, and he volunteered countless hours creating memorable community gatherings throughout the Twin Cities. Gary gave assistance to anyone he knew and provided many gifts to organizations, but in his humility regularly waived any acts of recognition.

Gary and Patricia founded the Sauer Family Foundation in 1996 as a gift to each other on their 30th wedding anniversary. Believing that children are a precious gift who need to be loved, nurtured, protected, and cherished, Gary and Pat hoped that the Foundation would expand their ability to impact vulnerable children in Minnesota.

Gary will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, generous heart, and deep love for his family and friends. He enjoyed laughing, gathering people, and traveling around the world. He greeted all those he met with a warm smile and had the ability to make everyone feel welcome.

Visitation Monday, April 6th from 4:00-7:00pm at St. Thomas More Catholic Church (1079 Summit Ave., St. Paul) and one hour prior to the Funeral Mass at 10:00am on Tuesday, April 7th. Private burial. Memorials preferred to Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Ascension Catholic Academy.

O'Halloran & Murphy Funeral Home

651-698-0796

https://www.ohalloranmurphy.com/