Harlan J. Sauer, age 76, a Branch resident, completed his journey on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 with his loving wife Connie at his side after a long and hard-fought health battle.
Harlan was born on January 6, 1950 in Manitowoc, son of the late Edwin and Lioba (Geigel) Sauer. He grew up in the Taus area and graduated from Reedsville High School with the class of 1968. Harlan married the former Constance A. Anhalt at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Kellnersville. He served his country for 2 years as a member of the U.S. Army. Harlan was a heavy equipment operator, working for several construction companies, retiring from Buteyn-Peterson Construction in Sheboygan. He was a member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 139. After his retirement, Harlan found his greatest peace of mind spending time maintaining his land on “The Sauer Farm” or tinkering with his equipment. He also took pride in showing a ’59 Chev Apache truck having attended many car/truck shows and bringing home numerous trophies. He will be missed greatly by all that knew him and we all know he will be watching over us.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years: Connie Sauer, Branch; one daughter and son-in-law: Nicole (Paul) Rendfliesch, Denmark; one grandson: Holden Rendfliesch; four sisters and one brother-in-law: Darlene Grall, Whitelaw, Gloria (Raymond) Lisowe, Stockbridge, Cyndie Siehr, Manitowoc, Melissa Duggan, Whitelaw; four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law: Carol Kohlmann, Manitowoc, Lynn (Jerry) Luebke, Sheboygan, Marlene (John) Allen, Manitowoc, Ron (Anna) Anhalt, FL; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents: Edwin and Lioba Sauer; three sisters: Diane Gilbertson, Sandra Spaeth-Barnes, Victoria Lau; five brothers-in-law: Robert Grall, Donald Spaeth, James Barnes, Wayne “Whitie” Siehr, Russel Lau; father-in-law and mother-in-law: Gordon and Betty Anhalt; sister-in-law: Beverly Anhalt; brother-in-law: Mike Kohlmann.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 2, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi on Waldo, 1121 N 14th St., Manitowoc. Rev. Michael Warden will Celebrate the Mass of Christian Burial. Relatives and friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 12:00 Noon. Entombment will take place at Calvary Mausoleum following the service. Military Honors will be accorded by the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 731.
Harlan’s family would like to express their immense gratitude to everyone who cared for him, including the staff at St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice and Home Instead. Your care for Harlan brought great comfort to our family. Thank you also to our wonderful friends and neighbors who supported us and Harlan through his journey. He was a strong person who was not ready to give up.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
