Lorraine Sharon Sauer

Lorraine Sharon (Bohmbach) Sauer, (age 78) of Bemidji, MN passed away Monday, May 28, 2018.

Born and raised in Akeley, MN to Wallace and Alvina Bohmbach, Lorraine grew up with her 3 older siblings (Norman, Carol, and Vivian) on her family farm; where she learned about working for what mattered to her. She continued this trend in school by being incredibly involved in extracurricular activities, including choir, theater, 4H, and cheer. When attending BSU for her BA in elementary education she continued with extracurriculars such as playing the trombone. It was in her band class she met the love of her life, Richard Thomas Sauer. They married December 23, 1961 and began a 53 year partnership that brought them children (Tim, Lynne, and Todd), new teaching jobs (from one room school houses to special education classes), and changing homes (from Silver Bay to Warren to Thief River, and finally to Bemidji). Through each other, they found a love that is usually found only in fairy tales. They were the perfect team and loved each other with a love without end. She continued her education at BSU and attained her Masters in Special Education; where she became the kind of teacher students could turn to in times of trouble. She knew that teaching went far beyond numbers and letters. She looked out for her students and was someone whom they could always turn to when they were in need. She always gave everything she had to help take care of her students to the absolute best of her abilities.

Throughout her life, Lorraine continued to volunteer at the schools as well as at the local food shelf. She was an active member of her church and loved to sing with the choir. She loved the Lord and truly lived in a way that embodied his teachings. She was always the first person to volunteer for any task and was the first to lend a helping hand for those in need. She never stopped helping people and continued to be there for everyone in her life. She was always there to give advice, a hug, or whatever was needed throughout her life. She was the person who was always willing to play a game or beat anyone at a game of cribbage. She could out-fish any fisherman and was the most enthusiastic cheerleader at her children’s and grandchildren’s events. She was always there for anyone and everyone, and she was always willing to listen and be there for those in need throughout her entire life. Her husband Richard, her son and his wife (Tim and Lisa Sauer), her daughter and her husband (Lynne and Don Smith), her son and his wife (Todd and Marti Sauer), all 9 of her grandchildren (oldest to youngest), Alex, Sarah, Jack, Tony, Kenzi, Andrew, Brady, Matt, Joey, and her great-grandson, Castielle, were all so lucky to have her. Richard (or Dick) passed away July 1, 2015, and while no words can convey the depth of her sorrow over his passing, Lorraine knew it wasn’t her time yet. So, she moved to Fargo, ND and in less than 2 years cultivated a larger group of friends, confidantes, bible studies, and volunteer hours than most people could in ten.

In February she was diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and true to form she faced that challenge like she did everything else, Head on. But as her condition worsened, her final days were spent crammed with family members until she was ready to reunite with Dick in heaven.

Though Lorraine has left this physical world, her memory will continue to live on. Her drive, compassion, and love can be seen in each of her children and grandchildren. It is hard not to mourn the loss of such an incredible woman who has had such an impact on the lives of those around her. However, she would not want us to mourn, but rather to remember all of the wonderful times we spent together and all the love that was shown while she was around. Physically, she may not be with us, but she will never truly be gone from our hearts. She continues, as always, to be our rock, mom, and grandma.

A block of rooms has been reserved at the Expressway Suites, 4303 17th Ave. S., Fargo, ND 58103.