Veronica Sauer

Veronica Katherine Eickhoff Sauer, aged 94 died of natural causes in Billings on Wednesday, August 29, 2012. At the time of her passing, Roni was a resident at Butterfly Homes of Billings. Roni was born October 24, 1917 in Paynesville, Minnesota. She was the fourth of seven children born to Casper F. and Gertrude (Schweiters) Eickhoff. Roni's parents were first generation Americans living in a predominantly German community. Roni spoke only German until entering the Minnesota public school system. On August 28, 1944 Roni married Edward J. Sauer, an Army captain home on leave from World War II. Edward and Roni were introduced through friends as she served her country as a U.S.O. representative at the local hospital. Following Ed's military service, the couple settled in North Dakota where their first child, Edward (Eddy) John, Jr. was born. Two years later, the couple's second son, Darrell Robert was born. The family relocated to Poplar, Montana where Edward, Sr. managed the Poplar grain elevator. While in Poplar, the couple had their third son, Michael Gerard. After the Sauer's three sons graduated from Poplar High School, the couple moved to Sleeping Buffalo, Montana. The Sauer's eventually retired to Billings in 1992. Roni's charitable, kind and giving nature touched the lives of all who knew her. In Poplar she generously served her friends and neighbors and the members of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. Roni's faith remained strong throughout her life and is remembered for her active church worship and service along with praying the Rosary every night without fail. Raising her children was Roni's greatest joy. Her sons remember her as self sacrificing, yet firm in her approach to parenting. In one instance, she wrote and edited a school paper for one son who was out too late hunting, with a firm warning it not ever happen again. Roni adored her grandchildren and great-grand children and spent hours coloring, painting and swimming with them at the 'Plunge' in Sleeping Buffalo. She will always be remembered for her hand painted Christmas cookies and beautiful Easter eggs. Roni's hobbies included gardening, painting, baking, bowling and playing cards with the grandchildren. Roni is survived by her sons: Edward Sauer, Jr. (Marlene) of Billings, Michael (Debra) Sauer of Caldwell, Idaho; daughter-in-law Colleen Sauer Boyer of Missoula; grandchildren Christy (Leslie) Shepard, Michael (Cindy) Sauer, Anna (Russell) Rice, Toby (Andrea) Sauer, Andrew (Chadra) Sauer, Melissa (Joe) Dibben; twelve great-grandchildren. Roni is also survived by sisters: Ella Rengle, Verena Saukry of Minnesota and numerous nieces and nephews. Roni was preceded in death by her husband, Edward Sauer, Sr. and son, Darrell Sauer; parents Casper and Gertrude Eickhoff; and brothers, Roman, Fabian and Leander Eickhoff. The family of Roni Sauer would like to thank Carole Whittle of Rocky Mountain Hospice; Janet White, Bernie Brown and staff of Butterfly Homes for their love, kindness, and commitment to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Service: Funeral Service for Roni will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2012 at St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral in Billings. A Vigil to celebrate her life will be held 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 31, 2012 at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings.