Karen Sauer

Karen Sauer, 73, of rural Brandon, passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2026.

Karen was born April 20, 1953 in Waupun, the daughter of Arthur and June Ruenger Houdek. Karen attended Waupun schools, graduating from Waupun High School in 1971. Following high school she married the love of her life, Dan Sauer at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waupun. Following their marriage Karen worked several jobs in the Waupun area and retired from Waupun SSM Hospital following 17 years of service. Karen enjoyed camping, boating, going up north, and listening to the loons. She was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waupun.

Karen is survived by her husband, Dan Sauer; two sons: Tim (Rhonda) Sauer and Jon (Christy) Sauer; grandchildren: Clay, Drew, Evan, and Lake Sauer, and Hannah, Claire, Payton, and Rowan Harder; sister, Janice Kamphuis of Waupun; brother, Marty (Vicki) Houdek of Waupun; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Art and June Houdek; an infant brother, Bobby; an infant grandson, Briar; and brother-in-law, Ken Kamphuis.

Funeral services for Karen Sauer will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 12 noon at Werner Harmsen Funeral Home in Waupun with Pastor Gwen Loomans officiating. Friends and relatives may call on the family on Friday at the funeral home from 9:30am-12 noon. Burial of cremains will take place at Forest Mound Cemetery in Waupun.

A special thank you to SSM Hospice and especially to her nurse, Janine who was so caring and compassionate.