Donald Steven Sauers

Larchwood, Iowa 

     Donald Sauers, age 83, of Larchwood, Iowa, died Sunday, January 21, 2024, at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls, SD.

     A Private Family Vigil Service will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, at The Church of St. Mary in Larchwood, IA, with Father Siby Punoose officiating.  Visitation for the public will start at 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the church.

     Donald Steven Sauers was born on October 12, 1940, in Sioux Falls, SD, the son of George and Anna (Sehr) Sauers.  Don grew up in Larchwood and later graduated from St. Mary’s Parochial School.  

     On April 22, 1961, Don was united in marriage to Elaine Christopherson at St. Lambert’s Catholic Church in Sioux Falls, SD.  The couple made their home on the Sauers home place in 1972 and to this union, three children were born, Todd, Terrie, and Troy.  Don owned and operated Sauers Painting from 1972 until 2018, when his son Todd took over the company.

     Don enjoyed watching motorcycle racing and encouraged his sons to take up the sport and started the Sauers Racing Team in 1972.  After that every summer he took his boys to AMA Amateur Flat Track races all over the country.  Don’s grandson Talon also got involved in racing and he loved to go watch him race.

     Don also enjoyed playing pool, and golfing and was a league member in the Larchwood area.  From this experience, he made many lifelong friends.

     Don especially loved visiting his grandkids, Colby, and Annika.  His cat “Boo Boo” brought him a lot of happiness as well.

     Don is survived by his wife of sixty-two years, Elaine Sauers of Larchwood, IA; three children, Todd (LeeAnn) Sauers of Hills, MN, Terrie (Mike) Malsom of Tea, SD, and Troy Sauers of Humboldt, IA; four grandchildren, Talon Sauers of Sioux Falls, SD, Colby Malsom and Annika Malsom of Tea, SD, and Chris Ahrenholtz of Watertown, SD; two siblings, Betty (Jerry) Miller of Buffalo, SD, and Bill (Cheryle) Sauers of Canton, SD; sister-in-law, Diane Sauers of Larchwood, IA; nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, George, and Anna Sauers; and one brother, Denny Sauers.