Eileen Mary Sauer died on Monday, April 18, 2016, a short 5 months following the death of her beloved husband, Claude.

Eileen was born on September 18, 1927 in Marquette, Michigan to Mary (nee Weeks) and Ferdinand Schippers. Eileen's mother died when Eileen was 1 year old. Her father passed away when she was 9. Eileen was raised by her maternal grandparents, Malcolm and Mary, and her aunts Edith and Bessie.

Eileen graduated from Bishop Baraga Catholic High School in 1945. Following graduation, she worked at the Social Security office in Marquette. It was there that she met Claude, who worked in the same building. The two were introduced by the elevator operator and mutual friend, Bodie.

After a three-year courtship, Eileen and Claude were married May 3, 1949 in Marquette, Michigan. In August of 1953, they moved to Sauk Rapids, MN. In February 1956, Claude and Eileen, along with their first child, Michael, moved to Rapid City, SD, which was their home for the next 58 years. Eileen and Claude moved to Denver in August 2014.

Eileen and Claude raised 9 children. They were foster parents for many years, caring for 27 newborns with Catholic Social Services. They were also foster parents for the Casey Family Program. Eileen was a founder of Birthright of Rapid City in 1973, as well as a leader for the statewide chapter of Birthright. For 37 years, Eileen served and counseled young women through crisis pregnancies, providing love, support, and countless sets of baby clothes, supplies, and hugs. Her witness to the sanctity of human life led many young mothers to choose life for their unborn children.

Eileen is survived by her 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 and 23 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Eileen was preceded in death by her husband Claude and their eldest son, Michael.

Memorials for Eileen have been established at Birthright, 2002 5th St. Rapid City, South Dakota 57701, Black Robe Catholic Academy at St. Francis Mission, P.O. Box 499, St. Francis, SD 57572, and Terra Sancta Guild c/o Diocese of Rapid City, 606 Cathedral Drive • Rapid City, SD 57701.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at 720 Magnolia St., Denver CO 80220.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 24, 2016 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm at Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home followed by a recitation of the Rosary at 4:00 pm. A Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00am, Monday, April 25, 2016 at St Therese Catholic Church with Fr Bill Zandri presiding. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Friends may sign her online guestbook at www.osheimschmidt.com.