David L. Sauer

David “Dave” Lyle Sauer, age 81, of Ripon, WI passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 20, 2025, with his family by his side.

Dave was born on July 5, 1944 in Ripon, son of Lyle and Arline (Steinberg) Sauer. He was educated in Ripon Schools and graduated from Ripon High School, Class of 1962. He joined the Naval Reserve in November, 1962 and served 2 years active duty from February, 1963 until January, 1965. He was very proud of serving on the Aircraft Carrier, USS Enterprise.

Dave was a hard worker. In his earlier years he worked at the Berlin Foundry, Speed Queen, Producer Container, and then drove semi for Schneider Trucking. He drove semi for the State of WI out of Waupun Central Warehouse and ended his working career as a correctional officer at Fox Lake Correctional Institution; working for the State of WI for 25 years. To keep busy after his retirement, he opened Jumbo’s Bar in Ripon, which he operated for over 7 years.

Dave belonged to the VFW. He enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing, snowmobiling, motorcycling, and shooting pool. He also loved collecting and driving around in his Mustangs. Upon learning his brother, Arden, needed a kidney transplant, Dave didn’t hesitate to get tested, and donated a kidney to him.

Dave is survived by his fianceé, JoAnn Kalupa; his son, David, Jr. of Ripon, WI; daughter, Katherine (Travis) Scott of Wichita, KS; five grandchildren, Daniel Grindstaff, Michael and Brandon Martinez, Travis, Jr., and Kale Scott; six great-grandchildren, Michelle, Thomas, Mikayla, and Mia Grindstaff, and Mario, Jr. and Miranda Martinez; sisters, Beverly Garro of Princeton, WI and Debra Parrish of Coupeville, WA; and several nieces and nephews.

Dave was preceded in death by his daughter, Rochelle Martinez on September 14, 2025; parents, Lyle and Arline Sauer; brother, Arden; son-in-law, Mario Martinez; and daughter-in-law, Cassandra Sauer; sister-in-law, Mary Beth; and brother-in-law, Frank Garro.

Visitation for Dave will be held from 9:00 am until 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home, 515 Mayparty Dr., Ripon, WI 54971.

Memorial service for Dave will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 7, 2025 at Butzin-Marchant Funeral Home in Ripon, with Chaplain Michael Jerger officiating. Inurnment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Ripon, WI, with a final salute and full military honors.

His family wishes to thank Generations Hospice for their kind and compassionate care of Dave.