Stephen “Steve” Sauer (aka “Hot Spots”)
November 10, 1957 – April 9, 2026

Stephen “Steve” Sauer, affectionately known as “Hot Spots,” passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends. Steve lived a full and vibrant life defined by his humor, curiosity, and deep connections with those around him.

Steve was born on November 10, 1957, and was raised in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He attended St. Boniface Catholic School and later graduated from Lincoln High School. Throughout his life, Steve was known for his strong work ethic and held a variety of positions, including delivering for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, working as a swamper and serving as a game room attendant for Three T’s, umpiring for the Manitowoc Recreation Department, working as a golf attendant, and holding roles at LabCorp Plastics, the Savoy, and Mirro Aluminum, as a security guard, and as a customer service representative.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, James and Adeline Sauer; his brother Greg Sauer; sister-in-law, Sue Sauer; and nephew Benjamin Sauer. He was also preceded in death by many beloved aunts and uncles: Ann Sauer; Lillian and Adolf Mazna; Emil and Agnes Decker; Clara and Harvey Petska; Mayme and Joe Decker; Raymond and Agnes Sauer; Catherine and Joe Shusta; Helen and Vincent Samz; Eleanor and George Jung; Dorothy and Paul Foreyt; Marie and LeRoy Lasse; and Russell Ruether and Grandparents Wencil and Theresa Sauer and Steve and Anna Foreyt.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jane (Holmes) Sauer (married on September 9, 1989), his sister Susan (Charles) Hein of Two Rivers; his brothers Tom Sauer of Manitowoc and James (Lisa) Sauer of Oak Hills, California; and his sister Mary Sauer Cherney of Victorville, California. He is also survived by his aunt Emily Ruether of Manitowoc, Francis (Joyce) Foreyt of Apple Valley, California, as well as many cherished nieces and nephews: Jason and Jenny Hein of Boulder, Colorado, Erin Hein and Ben Hein of Two Rivers; Michaela Sauer of Milwaukee; Jeremy, Ashley and Scarlett Sauer of Pinion Hills, California, Jennifer and Jimmy Sauer of Oak Hills, California; Jesse and Vanessa Sauer of Manitowoc along with numerous cousins.

Steve was a proud grandfather to Jayme Belongie and Mitchell Belongie, and great-grandfather to Katharine Belongie.

He shared a special bond with his close-knit group of friends—his “posse”—including John Rappel, Steve Hartman, Mark Gruber, Tom Traurig, and Mark Greycarek.

Steve found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. He loved spending time with family at Chute Pond, hunting, fishing, ice fishing, golfing, and bird watching. Known for his humor, he often gave “TED Talks” around the campfire and delighted friends and family with his impressive Jeopardy! knowledge. He took pride in perfecting campfire cooking—whether it was brats, steaks, or simply building the perfect fire. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan and enjoyed tailgate parties on opening day with the Brewers when they played the St. Louis Cardinals.

A familiar sight on his motorized scooter, during early morning rides, Steve once helped save an inebriated man who had fallen into shallow water by raising the alarm and getting help—just one example of his caring and observant nature.

Steve’s wit, storytelling, charm, and inquisitiveness left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He truly left a memorable footprint on this Earth and is deeply loved and will be missed by all.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Aurora Hospital ICU, the caregivers at Manitowoc Health Care Center, and Steve’s “angels”—Elise, Dagiimaa, Shannon, and Sheila, good friend and neighbor Dan O’Connell and his Posse for their compassion and care.

Services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home, located at 628 N. Water St., Manitowoc. A short service will be held at 11:00 am followed by a buffet and social at The Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, located on the south property of the funeral home, immediately following the service until 2:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com. The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.

Game Called by Grantland Rice.