White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE – Sandra Elizabeth (Sime) Sauer, 83 years old, of Independence, IA, died Friday, August 2, 2024, at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Duluth, MN, following complications from a heart attack.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. - Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence, with Rev. Toby L. Montgomery, officiant. A light lunch will follow at the church, with burial to take place at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery in Radcliff, IA, at a later time.

Celebration of Life Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday, August 12, 2024, at White Funeral Home, Independence, and will continue for an hour before services, Tuesday, at the church.

Sandra Elizabeth Sime was born January 17, 1941, in Fort Dodge, IA, the daughter of Irven Guy Sime and Elizabeth Male Sime. She grew up in Duncombe, IA, and graduated as the valedictorian from Rockwell City High School with the class of 1959. While in high school she excelled in the classroom as well as on the basketball court, helping her team make it to the Girl’s State Basketball Tournament multiple times. She continued her education at Iowa State University in Ames, IA, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Institutional Management, and later a Master of Science degree in Dietetics. She was a member of Kappa Delta. After college she moved to Chicago and worked for the National Meat and Livestock Association where she traveled the country and internationally on her vacations. Later, she returned to Ames to work as the placement director for the ISU College of Home Economics. She met Franklin William Sauer and the couple was united in marriage on August 24, 1974 at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Ames. They made their home in Ames until moving their young family to Independence, where Frank practiced law.

Sandy was the director of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program for Operation Threshold, which helps provide nutritional education and food assistance for low-income families. Her compassionate personality served her well over her 30+ years of service, retiring in 2006. Sandy and Frank were very active in the Independence community where Sandy was involved with the Buchanan County Democrats, Liberal Lattes, Red Hats, Friends of People’s Hospital Board – past president, and Kidsville as a board member. She loved music and was involved in the church choir, the church bell choir, and Independence Ladies Musical Society. After she retired, she became a hooker. She enjoyed the time spent collecting wool and hooking rugs with the group, Between the Rivers. She was a member of PEO and the First Presbyterian Church in Independence.

Sandy was an adventurer and loved to travel. She loved her family and delighted in her children and grandchildren. She surrounded herself with great friends over the years who will miss her beaming smile and her beautiful voice. She loved to chat and laugh, and believed in love, justice and kindness.

Sandy is survived by her husband of almost 50 years, Franklin “Frank” Sauer of Independence, IA; two daughters Angeline “Angie” (Adam Douglas) Sauer of Jakarta, Indonesia, Christiane “Christi” (Tristan) Joyce of Ash Green, Surrey, England; one son, Frederick “Fritz” (Charlene) Sauer of Shell Rock, IA; and five grandchildren, Eolande, Henry, and Leif Joyce; Paetra and Fulton Sauer. She is preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Shirley Rhodes and Ramona Lochhead.

Memorials may be directed to First Presbyterian Church of Independence for the audio system and Operation Threshold.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com
White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of arrangements.