Erma Elizabeth Sauer

Erma Elizabeth (Dotts) Sauer passed away from natural causes on May 21, 2008, at Mercy Hospice, Johnston, IA.  Erma was born in Carrollton, Ohio to Frank and Daisy Dotts on April 7, 1913, she was a 1931 graduate and valedictorian of her class at Carrollton High School. She graduated from Mercy Hospital School of Nursing, class of 1934, and was employed for five years at Mercy Hospital where she met a resident who would be her husband.She married Dr. Francis E. Sauer on August 14, 1939 and shared 57 loving years together before his death in June 1997.Erma lived in the Rockford area for over sixty years (except the four years in Austin, Texas while Dr. Sauer was stationed at Camp Swift during WWII).  She was a past member of the Ladies of Columbus, member and past president of the Winnebago County Medical Society, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, long standing member of Forest Hills Country Club, member of Holy Family Catholic Church, member of Holy Family Women's Guild, member of Holy Family Morning Book Club. She served several years on the board of the Rockford Children's Home, often saying its ""all about the children.""Erma is survived by and will be missed by four children, Sandra Knapp, Urbandale, IA; Linda Kustermann, Geneva, IL; David (Carol) Sauer, Summerfield, FL; and Susan (Sam) Cerniglia, Wheaton, IL. She has eleven loving grandchildren, Mark Knapp, Kathryn (Andrew) Barber, Chad (Lisa) Knapp, Jennifer (Jay) Rensing, Michael Kustermann, John Kustermann, Karen (Haris) Vilic, Matthew Sauer, Stacey Sauer, Kristen Cerniglia, Michael Cerniglia and twelve great grandchildren--all of whom will miss her grace and dignity and gentle manner.  She was predeceased by her husband, Francis Sauer, her parents Frank and Daisy Dotts and her sister Ina Abel.She will be laid to rest on June 6, 2008 with a private Mass at Holy Family Catholic Church and burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery Mausoleum, next to her husband. The family gratefully requests donations or memorials in her name be made to the Memorial and Honor Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105, or Mercy Hospice, 5820 Winwood Dr., Johnston, IA 50131. The family was assisted by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford. To express condolences please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com.