Deacon Clodoald (Claude) Sauer, Major (USAF) Deacon Clodoald (Claude) Robert Sauer died peacefully at his home on Saturday November 14, 2015, surrounded by Eileen, his wife of 66 years, his children and grandchildren. Claude was born on October 8, 1919 in Rice MN, the son of Thaddeus and Amelia (Schneider). The family lived on a farm, and Claude's formative years during the Great Depression were devoted to family and service. From a young age, he and his brother Lawrence chopped and delivered ice blocks and coal to families in town with their father to provide for a family of 10 children. Claude graduated from St. Cloud Technical High School in 1939. He enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps in December, 1940. Claude was stationed in the Pacific Islands from 1942 thru 1945 where he served with the 7th Air Force and the 7th Bomber Command. His tour included the campaigns for the Gilbert and Marshall Islands and then Okinawa, where he remained until the end of the war in August 1945. During the war, Claude served as meteorologist, briefing pilots and guiding artillery gunners. He was commissioned an officer in the field in June 1944. Claude was later recalled to active duty during the Korean War (stationed in Duluth, MN). He retired from service as a Major in 1979. After a three-year courtship, Claude married Eileen Mary Schippers on May 3, 1949 in Marquette, Michigan. In August of 1953, Claude and Eileen moved to Sauk Rapids, MN, and Claude began his career with the National Weather Service. In February 1956, Claude and Eileen, along with their first child, Michael, moved to Rapid City, SD. Claude retired from the weather service in 1978. Claude was ordained a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church on October, 11, 1980 at St. Therese Parish in Rapid City. He served the Catholic community of Rapid City in his diaconate role for over 20 years and was a 4th degree knight in the Knights of Columbus. Claude and Eileen were foster parents for many years, caring for 27 newborns with Catholic Social Services. They were also foster parents for the Casey Family Program. Claude and Eileen have been living with their son Joel and his wife Barb in Denver, Colorado since August 2014. Claude is survived by his wife, Eileen, Denver, CO, and his children Paul (Lori), Union, KY, Peter (Chris), Newcastle, CO, Joel (Barb), Denver, CO, Mary Beth Mandery, Colorado Springs, CO, John (Gwen), Colorado Springs, CO, Patrick, Boyceville, WI, Anne (Scott) Besmer, Bismarck, ND, and Tobias, Osceola WI. Claude and Eileen have 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Claude was preceded in death by his son Michael, his parents, Thaddeus and Amelia, sisters Barbara Sauer, Margaret Sauer, Mathilda Fiedler, Angela Janski, Rose Dullinger, and his brothers, Lawrence, William, Joseph, and Phillip. Claude's life was one of service to family, country, Church and community. His voice was the first many in western South Dakota heard over the AM radio each day as they tuned in for the early morning weather report in the 1960's and 70's. Claude was a hero to schoolchildren when school was cancelled for predicted snowstorms. He was an even bigger hero on the rare occasion he got it wrong and the "snow day" turned out to be a beautiful Rapid City winter day. His great laugh, quick wit and sense of humor will especially be missed by his family. He was a strong, quiet presence and his wisdom was immeasurable. Memorials for Claude have been established at St. Therese Catholic Church, 532 Adams St., Rapid City, SD 57701 and Black Robe Catholic Academy at St. Francis Mission, P.O. Box 499, St. Francis, SD 57572. Cards and condolences may be sent to Eileen Sauer at 720 Magnolia St., Denver CO 80220. A visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Thursday, November 19, 2015 at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home of Rapid City followed by a Christian Wake service at 7:00pm. A Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00am, Friday, November 20, 2015 at St. Therese Catholic Church in Rapid City with Fr. Bill Zandri presiding. Interment with military honors will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.