Sauer served one term as LCMS fourth vice-president (1977-79) under then-President Rev. Dr. J.A.O. Preus; two terms as first vice-president (1981-86) under then-President Rev. Dr. Ralph A. Bohlmann; one term as third vice-president (1989-92), also under Bohlmann; and one term as fourth vice-president (1992-95) under then-President Rev. Dr. A.L. Barry. He also served as an assistant to the LCMS president (Preus) from 1974 to 1981, and one term as a vice-president for the LCMS Missouri District (1987-89). A 1948 graduate of Concordia Theological Seminary, then in Springfield, Ill., Sauer received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, in 1976. He was a U.S. Air Force chaplain during the Korean conflict, and served 25 years in parish ministries in Taylorville and Palatine, Ill.; Milwaukee; and Pittsburgh. During his ministry, Sauer was on a number of national LCMS committees, serving as chairman for those on Hymnal Review and Catechism Revision. He also authored two volumes of Daily Prayer for Lutheran pastors; The Church Takes Shape, a study of church history for Lutheran high school juniors; and Exploring Luther’s Small Catechism, a workbook for catechumens. “Dr. Sauer was a strong supporter of the Synod’s doctrinal position, worship practices and mission,” said LCMS President Emeritus Bohlmann. “As the right-hand man to two Synod presidents, he served faithfully and well in a wide range of responsibilities. His friendship and support will be greatly missed.”