Valerie Sauer

October 31, 1934 ~ September 16, 2024

We are heartbroken yet full of love as we share the passing of Valerie Ann Sauer, beloved wife of Ken, on Monday, September 16. Valerie lived 89 vibrant years—just shy of her grand 90th, but as always, she did things her own way. Born on Halloween in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Lawrence and Ivy Tronstad, Valerie was destined to make an impression. Growing up in Sutherland alongside her sister Loretta and brother Larry, Valerie’s fiery nature and quick wit were evident from the start. At 19, she married her first love, Bruce Koroll, and together they welcomed Cindy, Brent, and Colleen into their lives. Life threw its challenges as Valerie lost both Cindy and Bruce far too soon. But Valerie wasn’t one to be kept down—she embraced her role as a young widow with grit, grace, and determination. She took on the world, starting as a school secretary at Walter Murray Collegiate Institute where she crossed paths with a dashing teacher named Ken Sauer. Ken was no match for Valerie’s charm and spunk. He quickly fell head over heels and the two were married in 1965. Soon after, Charlene arrived and later they welcomed Brian, completing their lively clan. Valerie was anything but a typical housewife—she brought joy and mischief to every occasion, making holidays and family gatherings truly unforgettable. Whether organizing get-togethers or expertly taking care of her home, she made sure things were never boring. Ken’s career took the family to Lethbridge where Valerie expanded her role as the heart and soul of her family. Later, their journey brought them to Medicine Hat where Valerie continued to be Ken’s unwavering support while staying active in the church and community and making sure everyone knew who the boss really was. Valerie was a force to be reckoned with in curling and golf but her greatest sporting achievement might have been her love affair with Las Vegas. Many a slot machine knew her touch, and she reveled in her trips to Sin City with family and friends over the years. As the backbone of the family, Valerie took immense pride in being a wife, mother, grandmother, and GG. Her love was limitless, and she leaves behind Ken, the love of her life; her children Brent (Natalie) Sauer, Colleen (Ron) Legere, Charlene (Lewis) Dooper, and Brian Sauer (Maxine, Heidi and Eva); her grandchildren, Jaclyn (Grey) Sauer, Jen (Andy) Kerslake, Jerrid (Benita) Sauer, Jonathan Legere, Justin Legere (Tess), and Jayda (Cole) Rubbelke; and her adored great-grandchildren, Kora and Lincoln Sauer, Mason and Jonah Kerslake, and Zelda Rubbelke. Valerie will be missed by her extended family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to have had her in their lives. Special thanks to her homecare team and the amazing staff at St. Joseph’s Home, where Valerie found peace and contentment during her final months—though we’re sure she kept them all on their toes with her signature blend of humor and sass. A Celebration of Valerie’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Valerie would appreciate donations to the Medicine Hat Public School Division to enhance educational opportunities at Dr. Ken Sauer School, 601-1st Avenue S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4Y7, or e-transfer a donation to accounting@sd76.ab.ca. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

The Celebration of Valeries’s life will be Live Streamed through our website. The service may be viewed by visiting our homepage: www.cooksouthland.com and clicking the View Broadcast button at service time.

• Date : 2024-09-16
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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