Elfriede Maria SAUER

1928 - 2015

SAUER, Elfriede Maria
Elfriede Maria Sauer (nee Muller), of Austin Texas passed away Sunday, 1 November 2015 at the age of 86.

Elfriede was born in Russelsheim, Germany on 28 December 1928 to Helena Maria (nee Heartel) and Jakob Muller. She loved and studied opera singing as a girl. When she was 11 years old, WWII began and she survived many experiences, including the bombing of her home and the deprivation in Germany afterwards. Around 1952, when she was working for an American officer's family, she met her husband to be, a young American Air Force soldier stationed in Germany. Initially, he spoke no German and she spoke no English and when her children asked how they were able to communicate she always said, "Oh you would be surprised what you can get across!" As a military wife she lived in Germany, Colorado, Georgia and Texas (sometimes on her own when her husband was stationed in Vietnam or Korea) raising their 4 children.

She was funny, had a great sense of humor, loved to dance, and to talk. Though petite, she took up space - and her passing leaves a big empty place in the lives of those who knew and loved her. Despite all she had experienced she maintained a youthful innocence.

Survivors include her son Andrew Sauer of Cedar Park, Texas; her 3 daughters Christina Sauer-Dechant (son-in-law Kevin) of Ireland, Katherine Sauer-Bishop (son-in-law Jeremy) of Oregon, Lisa Meeks (son-in-law Doug) of Dripping Springs, Texas; grandchildren Sena and Ava; step grandchildren Jason, Bill, Wells, Sophie and Matthew; great grandchildren Emerson, Beckett Andrew and Sage; and her brother, Heinz Muller (wife Kathe), of Germany. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Heinz (1st) and Philip, daughter-in-law Marie, and her beloved husband of 59 years, Walter Henry Sauer.

Special thanks to Cristina Garay and Rosa de la Rosa for their care and many kindnesses.

She will be buried beside her husband at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas, at 2.30pm, Monday, 9th November 2015.

Condolences may be sent to: www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.