Obituary: Verna Sauer

Verna Sauer

New Rockford, N.D.

Verna Mae Sauer, age 86, of New Rockford, N.D. passed away peacefully on January 30, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Sanford Medical Center, Fargo, N.D.

Verna's visitation was held on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024 from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m., all at Warwick Lutheran Church, Warwick, N.D. Her burial followed at the Warwick Cemetery. Pastor Bethany Wertz officiated the service. Recorded music was "Go Rest High on That Mountain" by Vince Gill, "On Eagle's Wings" by Walkers To Heaven and "How Great Thou Art" by Carrie Underwood. Pallbearers were Josh Ziebart, Brock Ziebart, Stacy McNeese, Jimmy McNeese, Lyndon Hanson and Kyle Hanson. Honorary bearers were Verna's great-grandchildren – Braelyn Grace Ziebart, Kasey Mae Tate, Nikkie Tate and Reggie Tate, Darica Ziebart and Jared Miller.

On May 6, 1937, John and Ella Hanson (Rude) welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Verna Mae. Verna grew up in rural Hamar, attending the Hamar Public School, graduating in 1955. Throughout high school, she partook in many clubs such as Home Economics which led to her love for cooking and sewing later in life.

After graduating, Verna decided to move to Devils Lake, N.D. and started a job at a restaurant there. This is where she met her best friend, James Ziebart. They were married in 1957 and spent 25 happy years when James passed in 1982. During these 25 years, they were blessed with two boys, Brandon and Faron. She was very passionate about serving her community. She later worked at the Lutheran Home of Good Shepherd and the NDSU Research Center, as well as the Bison Plant. Later in life, she met her companion and husband Earl Sauer. They were married in 1983, blessing Verna with three step-children Stacy, Tammy and Joe.

Verna took enjoyment in cooking, the outdoors, feeding her birds and spending time with her grandchildren. She had a special hand for gardening and took pride in watching her beautiful flowers grow. She enjoyed spending time outdoors. Verna loved attending her women's church group at the Warwick Lutheran Church.

Verna is survived by her children, Brandon (Annette) Ziebart; stepchildren, Tammy (Gary) Neis, and Joe (Tammy) Sauer; 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Verna is preceded in death by her husbands, James Ziebart and Earl Sauer; son, Faron Ziebart; stepdaughter, Stacy Miller; parents, John and Ella Hanson (Rude); brothers, Myron Hanson and Darroll Hanson; sister, Averiel Enger; brother-in-law, Rodger Enger and sister-in-law, Belva Hanson.

Verna will be deeply missed by many but her memory lives on in our hearts, as we know she is rejoicing with James and Earl.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home of Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.