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Visitation:
Friday, February 20, from 9-11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran
Church in Lincoln
Service:
Friday, February 20, at 11a.m. at the church.
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Stephen John Sauer,
79, of Lincoln, Illinois, passed away peacefully on
February 14, 2026.
Born on September 26, 1946, Steve was the son of
Louis and Marie Sauer, and brother of Ronda Sauer,
who preceded him in death. He lived a life defined
by dedication, integrity, and unwavering devotion to
his family, church and community.
Steve was born in Kankakee, Illinois, and grew up in
nearby Herscher. He graduated from Herscher High
School and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in
history from Northern Illinois University. Steve
continued his education with a master’s degree in
Guidance and Counseling from Illinois State
University, followed by a second master’s degree in
history from the University of Illinois-Springfield.
Steve devoted 35 years of his professional life to
education as a high school history and psychology
teacher at Lincoln Community High School, where his
passion for history and commitment to his students
made a lasting impact on generations of
Railsplitters. He believed deeply in helping young
people understand the past so they could better
shape the future.
Beyond the classroom,
Steve was a familiar and trusted voice in the
Lincoln area. He served as longtime announcer for
Lincoln Railsplitter basketball and football and was
also announcer on the local radio station, bringing
enthusiasm, professionalism, and hometown pride to
every broadcast.
Steve was committed to serving his community. He
volunteered at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum and led the Lift Off Program in
Lincoln for several years, generously giving his
time and knowledge to causes that strengthened
education and civic life.
A faithful member and elder of Zion Lutheran Church,
Steve’s quiet leadership and steadfast faith were
hallmarks of the life he lived. He led by example,
offering wisdom, encouragement, and steady guidance
to many.
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Steve had a deep love
for all things sports. Atop the list, he was a
die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan. He also had a
passion for all genres of music. Not a day went by
where the stereo wasn’t putting out some good vibes.
He enjoyed collecting baseball cards and took great
pride in his model train displays, hobbies that
reflected both his appreciation for history and his
attention to detail.
Above all, Steve was a devoted husband, father, and
grandfather. He is survived by his beloved wife,
Donna Hertz Sauer; his son, Jason Sauer (Joanna);
and his daughter, Jennifer Davis (Evan). He was a
proud and loving grandfather to Nick Davis and
Brooke Davis, who brought him immense joy and pride.
Steve was known for
his strong work ethic, quiet strength, and steady
presence. He belonged to a generation that believed
in responsibility, loyalty, and doing things the
right way. His wisdom, example, and steadfast love
will continue to guide his family and community in
the years ahead.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Friday,
February 20, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lincoln,
with the funeral service immediately following at
11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made in Stephen’s memory
to Zion Lutheran School and Church in Lincoln, IL.
The burial will take place the following day in
Herscher, IL.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by
his family, former students, colleagues, church
family, listeners, and friends.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the family of Stephen
John Sauer
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