No longer encumbered by this earthly body, LaVern J. Sauer is now walking and talking with Jesus in Heaven. LaVern, age 96, passed away at his home on Sunday, January 23^rd with his cherished wife Bernice by his side.  LaVern was born on September 20, 1925, in Arlington, Minnesota to the late David Sr. and Elizabeth (Herdt) Sauer.  He met the love of his life, Bernice, and would marry her in June of 1949. They were happily married for 72 years and worked side-by-side on their farm. LaVern and Bernice enjoyed life together farming, making maple syrup, selling at flea markets and craft sales and making rag rugs. LaVern and Bernice participated in the Wausau Farmers Market and then went on to start the Merrill Area Farmers Market. They gardened 1 ½ acres of  land selling fresh produce to the local community. He previously worked for Anderson Quarry and at Quality Print/Foto News as a lead pressman. He was a former chairman of the Town of Scott and a trustee at Zion/St. John Church Town of Scott and Maine. LaVern and Bernice enjoyed several bus trips around the country, camping, fishing and flower gardening. They had a huge yard where LaVern made many animals and creations out of cement to be intermixed with the flower gardens.  LaVern was a person who people could go to for help or advice. He could build or fix almost anything. LaVern was a strong, kind, loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His knowledge and guidance was the foundation of his family.

LaVern is survived by his wife, Bernice Sauer, daughters, Karen (Bruce) Krombholz and Cheryl (Wayne) Ford of Merrill; grandchildren, Bethany (Brent) Jark, Benjamin (Jamie) Krombholz, Tyler (Kristi) Krombholz, and Jonathan Ford; great-grandchildren, Aiden, Annika, Aubrey, Emma, Olivia, Nora, and Madeline Elizabeth; step great-grandchildren, Derek and Alexander; and brother and sister-in-law, David Jr. and JoAnn Sauer, of Merrill.   LaVern was preceded in death by his parents, David Sr. and Elizabeth Sauer; sister and brother-in-law, Meta (Glenn) Mootz; brother-in-law and sister-in-law James and Marilyn Kriehn; half-brother, Edward Ruff; nephews Jeffrey Kriehn, Robert Mootz, and Daniel Mootz.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill. Rev. Adam Rodriguez will officiate. Burial will take place in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will begin Monday at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, is assisting the family. Memorials may be given to Trinity Lutheran Church of Merrill.  LaVern’s family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services for their assistance in the last days of his life.  Now that LaVern has passed into the arms of the Lord, we should remind ourselves that while this is the end of LaVern’s physical life on earth, it’s the beginning of an eternal life in Heaven.  2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”  Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com