Thomas Saurer

Thomas E. Saurer, 91, of Fergus Falls, died Wednesday, January 1, 2025, at his home, under the care of Knute Nelson Hospice surrounded by his loving family.

Thomas was born November 4, 1933, in Fergus Falls, the son of Anton and Irene (Kidder) Saurer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church. He attended rural school District #208 and belonged to the Class of 1952.

He was employed with Skogmo Motors, St. Paul Packing Plant and Great Northern Railroad. In 1956 he moved to Chicago where he started to work in the sheet metal trade. Tom served in the United States Army from 1957-1959, 82nd Airborne and was stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. He was proud of the 23 times he jumped out of the plane.

Tom met Lyla on January 1, 1960. On March 2, 1963, he married Lyla Tollefson at Augustana Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls. They lived in Chicago until 1965, the couple than moved to Minneapolis where Tom continued working in commercial heating and air conditioning for Sheet Metal Union Local #10 of Minneapolis. Two children were born in Minneapolis, Rita in 1966 and Rodney in 1970.

In 1978 the couple moved to the Jewett Lake area. Tom continued to work for sheet metal Local #10 until retirement. He was a union member for over 60 years.

Tom enjoyed fishing, deer hunting, gardening, pontoon rides on Jewett Lake, four-wheeling with Rod, Rod's buddies and young kids, and traveling, especially the Alaska trip.

Preceding him in death were his parents; daughter, Rita on October 14, 1994; brothers, John, James, Donald (Joyce) and David (Birdelle); sister-in-law, Deloris Godel, brother-in-law, Darrel (Audrey) Tollefson; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law.

Tom is survived by his loving caretaker and wife, Lyla Saurer of Fergus Falls; son, Rodney (Linda) Saurer of Fergus Falls; step-grandchildren, Dillon Strommen, Katie Strommen; special friend, Dean Lundby; brothers-in-law, Homer Godel and Marlow (Ilene) Tollefson; many nieces, nephews and friends.

Memorials are preferred to The Veterans Walk of Flags, Jewett Lake Fish Fund or the Donor's choice.

Visitation: 5 - 7 p.m., Friday, January 10, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls, with Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will resume one-hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January, 11, 2025, at Olson Funeral and Cremation Chapel in Fergus Falls.

Clergy: Reverend Jim Johnson

Military Participation: Fergus Falls VFW Post 612 and American Legion Post 30

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MN

Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com