Ralph Waldo Sauer, 97, of Decatur, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at his residence. Born on April 11, 1929, in Decatur, he was the son of the late Philip and Minna (Weinman) Sauer.
Ralph was united in marriage to Marilyn A. Foor on August 29, 1958, at Union Chapel Church in Decatur.
Ralph proudly served his country in the United States Army in Korea during the Korean Conflict. Following his return home, he worked for the Adams County Highway Department and later for Zintsmaster Motors, where he served as service and parts manager as well as office manager. In 1964, he began a long career with the Decatur Daily Democrat, serving as office manager until his retirement in 1987. Even in retirement, Ralph remained active, assisting his friend John Augsburger with accounting for his print shop and driving vehicles for Dan Evans and 88 Fleet. He was also honored to participate in the Honor Flight several years ago with his son Michael.
A faithful and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church and School in Decatur, Ralph dedicated countless hours of service to his church family. He served as trustee and treasurer and established the accounting system still utilized by the church today. He sang in the church choir, served on the Board of Education for the school, founded the church’s history room, and played a key role in updating the military plaques displayed at the church. Ralph loved the Lord deeply and demonstrated that love through a lifetime of service to others and to his congregation. He truly possessed a servant’s heart.
Ralph was also a proud 60-year member of the American Legion Post #43 in Decatur and was a former member of the Decatur Kiwanis Club.
Among his many interests, Ralph had a lifelong appreciation for automobiles and enjoyed all types of cars. He especially cherished attending the activities and sporting events of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, proudly serving as their biggest supporter and greatest fan. A devoted student of the past, Ralph was a history enthusiast who also enjoyed researching genealogy and preserving family history.
Survivors include his wife of almost 68 years, Marilyn Sauer of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Rhonda (Michael) Colclasure of Decatur, Indiana; son, Michael (Patricia) Sauer of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Carla (Neil) Rhoades of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Cheryl (Anthony) Fullenkamp of Decatur, Indiana; daughter, Jennifer (Danny) Hall of Decatur, Indiana; 17 grandchildren, Seth (Kelly) Colclasure, Nathan (Margaret) Colclasure, Zachary (Abigail) Colclasure, Chelsea (Enock Edouard) Colclasure, Matthew (Kerstin) Sauer, Lindsey (Ryan Saalfrank) Sauer, Andrew (Alina) Sauer, Brittany (Brent) Keplinger, Janelle (Kramer) Feasel, Landon Rhoades, Bethany (Andrew) Bohnke, Brian (Whitney) Fullenkamp, Benjamin (Adrienne) Fullenkamp, Justin (Abbey) Hall, Nicholas (Jorae) Hall, Joshua (Jenna) Hall, Jacob (Kyndal) Hall; 38 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
Ralph was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Jade Lillian Fullenkamp; a brother, Harold Sauer; sisters, Wilma Sauer, Florence Engle, Vera Hammond, and Clarice Porter; and in-laws, Wilbur and Hazel Foor.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 2, 2026, at Zion Lutheran Church in Decatur with Pastor Zach Oedewaldt officiating. Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery, with Military Graveside Honors to be conducted by the American Legion Post #43 of Decatur.
Family and friends will be received from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur and one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the church.
Preferred memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Family Life Center updates.
Arrangements are being handled by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Homes of Decatur, Indiana.
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