MARY ELIZABETH SAUER

MUSCATINE, Iowa – Mary Elizabeth Sauer passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Addington Place, at the age of 101 years.

She was the daughter of Henry Joseph and Genevieve Henrietta (Bermal) Unkel. Mary was born on October 9, 1924.

Mary had a deep devotion to Jesus Christ and her church of many years.

From an early age, Mary loved learning. She was extremely gifted in math (numbers), her entire life. She graduated from Saint Mary’s High School in 1940 at the age of 16.

Mary married Edward Sauer in 1946, and they were married for 47 years. They resided in Muscatine. They enjoyed a trip to the Western United States, Mary recalled, they visited Yellowstone National Park, Hoover Dam, and they loved the mountains. At home, Ed and Mary enjoyed gardening together, canning, and Mary loved to bake.

As a career, Mary worked at Heinz for 15 years. Mary was a skilled seamstress and by placing an ad in Woman’s Day magazine to make Barbie and doll clothes. She shipped clothes all over the United States and as far as California. Her love for sewing was developed by her mother and a Home-Ec class she took in high school. She also felt she was self-taught by trial and error. She was a talented typist and typed correspondents for others who hired her. One could say she was an early entrepreneur.

Her love for her church family led her to be a part of the prayer circle and Catholic Woman’s group at Saint Mary’s. She also sewed many communion dresses that were donated to the Pope’s Warehouse. Mary had a heart for those who were underprivileged and helped in many ways.

She is survived by her loving sister, Delores, who called her three times a day. A special niece, Shari, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews who have fond memories of her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Henry, George, and August (Joe); sisters, Helen and Annie; and the love of her life, her husband, Edward.

The family would like to thank the staff at Addington Place for their continual care and joy they shared with her. Also, a special care giver, Michelle, that was always available to assist her.

Mary generously set up memorials to be made from her upon her passing to St. Jude’s Children Hospital, Catholic Boys and Girls Home, and Ss. Mary and Mathias Catholic Church in Muscatine. She understood the importance of helping others.

Due to weather, Graveside Service will now be at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The Reverend Chris Weber will officiate. Online condolences may be made at www.wittichfuneralhome.com