Howard M Sauer Jr., DDS

Howard M Sauer, 93, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away March 9, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born August 2, 1932, in Ottumwa, Iowa, Howard spent most of his formative years in Brookings, South Dakota, where his parents, Marjorie and Howard, Sr., settled after Howard Sr. became a sociology professor at South Dakota State University.

Howard graduated from Brookings High School in 1950 alongside his twin sister, Janet. Following graduation, he attended South Dakota State University for two years before transferring directly into the University of Minnesota’s dental school, where he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery.

During his sophomore year, while taking a break from studying on St. Patrick’s Day, Howard met Helen Wayne at Stub & Herbs. Three years later, they were married on September 17, 1955, in Albert Lea, Minnesota.

Howard proudly served in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps. He and Helen were stationed at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, Illinois, where he served as a naval dentist. Howard completed his two years of military service, rising to the rank of Lieutenant.

For 42 years, Howard practiced dentistry in Faribault. He enjoyed his patients, getting to know them as individuals. Howard treasured the social interaction with the families he treated, learning about their lives and adventures. He was a lifetime member of the American Dental Association and the Minnesota Dental Association, and served as past president of the Southeast Dental District.

One of his favorite aspects of being a dentist was “crown and bridge” work. He spent long hours carving and casting. This skill later transferred into a passion for making jewelry for friends and family.

Faribault was Howard’s home and community. Demonstrating his commitment to Faribault, he served on the Maple Lawn Cemetery board, Legacy Commons Board, served as the President of the Jefferson Elementary Parent Teachers Association, and participated in the Exchange Club. Howard was an active member of the Congregational Church for most of his life in Faribault. He taught Sunday school and served on various church committees. He also was a long-time member of the church choir. He enjoyed singing and fellowship with the other choir members.

Howard lived his life with a twinkle in his eye and an occasional penchant for hijinks. He truly enjoyed April Fools Day, with notable pranks on his family such as putting horseradish in the milk, and salt in the sugar bowl, among others. He loved playing tennis, swimming, duck hunting, fishing, playing bridge and collecting antique duck decoys. In his forties, he learned how to downhill ski and was proud of his ability to do a hockey stop. He and Helen traveled widely and well into retirement, visiting destinations as varied as Morocco and Beijing, collecting a lifetime of memories.

Howard enjoyed a good meal. He never met a dessert he didn’t like, or a donut shop he could pass by – especially before heading out duck hunting. He was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Faribault Falcons, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, South Dakota State Jackrabbits, and the Minnesota Gophers. Additionally, one of his favorite pastimes was beating nearly everyone in spirited games of Monopoly. It did not matter the age of his competitors (often his grandchildren), he played to win.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Marjorie (Rogers) Sauer; his twin sister, Janet Moriarty; his son, Wayne Sauer; and his granddaughter, Britney Sauer.

He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Sauer; three children: Paul (Susan) Sauer of Eden Prairie; Margie (Todd) Lindberg of Minneapolis; David (Kris) Sauer of Faribault; five grandchildren Joe (Natalie) Lindberg, Ali Sauer, Katherine Lindberg (and fiancé Revis Stephenson), Elizabeth Sauer, and Caroline Sauer; one great-grandson, Boden Lindberg, and three granddogs that he spoiled when given the chance.

Memorials may be directed to the Faribault Foundation or River Bend Nature Center in memory of Howard.

Visitation will be held at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home, located in Faribault, on Tuesday, March 17 from 12:00 to 1:30.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Parker Kohl Funeral Home with Fr. Henry Doyle officiating. A private interment will be held at Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault.