Thomas G. "Tom" Sauer
January 24, 1945 ~ July 26, 2021
Thomas G. “Tom” Sauer, 76, of Plainfield and formerly of Terre Haute, passed away at his residence on the evening of July 26, 2021 surrounded by his beloved wife and two daughters. Tom was born in Indianapolis on January 24, 1945 to the late Robert and Mary Sauer.
Tom grew up in St. Mark Parish in Indianapolis. He graduated from Sacred Heart High School in the class of 1963. Tom went on to become a student at the University of Notre Dame where he earned his bachelor’s degree. Following his education at Notre Dame, Tom was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War era. After his honorable discharge from the military, Tom went on to attend Indiana University where he earned his master’s degree and then went on to earn his Doctorate in Comparative Literature from Indiana University. Tom was a recipient of the Fulbright Scholar Award where he had the opportunity to travel abroad as a student to Austria and Germany; these travels produced Tom’s appreciation for the German language and European culture.
It was during his time at IU that he met the love of his life, Kathleen Prevo. Tom and Kathy met playing co-ed volleyball on Sunday afternoons in an old gym on campus. Their courtship transitioned to marriage on a snowy, 10-degree day on January 10, 1981 in St. Mark Catholic Church where they were united as one. Tom’s adoration for Kathy continued through 40 years of their marriage; their love was described as always being young at heart. It was this love that produced their two beautiful daughters, Laura and Karen.
Tom’s career as a college professor began at the University of Virginia as a German professor. He then began working for Indiana State University in 1990 as an English Professor and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Tom retired from Indiana State University on June 30, 2010 as the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Tom was fluent in German and was an avid reader and teacher of Shakespeare.
Even after his retirement, Tom was dedicated to expanding his knowledge. Tom was active in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Indiana State University (OLLI), a program designed for those age 50 and “better” who wish to pursue lifelong learning. He also enjoyed travelling with Kathy during retirement, most often revisiting his favorite European locations. Tom had fond memories of travelling to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with Kathy and their girls through their childhood and on into their adulthood where he often relaxed on the beach with a book in his hand. Tom delighted in taking Kathy on Sunday mornings to the British National Theatre Live in Indianapolis. When leaving the theatre, they would often stop for a craft beer at one of their favorite spots in Fountain Square such as, Chilly Water or Black Acre Brewing.
When not traveling or learning, Tom could be found in his yard or fixing something around his home. His yard and landscaping were meticulously kept, and if something was broken, he was adamant that he was going to fix it- even if he had to teach himself how. With a jovial spirit and familiar laugh, Tom was naturally good humored. If you needed something, he was the first to be at your side as his dependability and loyalty for those he cared for were insurmountable. He made friends nearly everywhere he went, and was continually optimistic, even through the final days of his life. Tom enjoyed being with his family and grandchildren; he loved being a “papa”. Tom will be remembered as a sentimental husband, dad, and papa; his one-of-a-kind persona will be greatly missed.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Kathleen “Kathy” (Prevo) Sauer; his two daughters and their husbands, Laura (Matthew) Kohus and Karen (Joe) Costanzo; his grandchildren, William, Henry, and Katie Kohus and Michael Costanzo; his brothers, Robert “Bob” (Joyce) Sauer and William “Bill” Sauer; his sister-in-law, Claudia Prevo; and a host of friends, colleagues, and extended family members.
Tom is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters-in-law, Beverly Sauer and Kathy Sauer.
Tom’s Life Celebration® Visitation will be Monday, August 2, 2021 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM in the O’Riley Funeral Home, 6107 South East Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 at 10:00 AM in St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church, 535 East Edgewood Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the Catholic Charities of Terre Haute, the Dr. Thomas G. Sauer Scholarship Fund for Study Abroad 3, or the Dr. Thomas G. Sauer and Kathleen P. Sauer CAS Bridge the Gap Scholarship (for College of Arts and Sciences students who need additional financial aid to complete their degrees); envelopes will be provided at the funeral home on Monday. Please visit www.ORileyFuneralHome.com to leave an online condolence for the Sauer family.
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Kathy and family, my deepest condolences for losing Tom. He was a fine man, and extremely kind. John Murray
Our Deepest Sympathy
Dr. Sauer taught my 8am Shakespeare course as an undergraduate. He was so friendly, energetic, intelligent, and kind. I am so sorry to his friends, family, and all who loved him for this tremendous loss. His memory lives on as a kind, lovable guy who could even make a grumpy student feel excited to learn “early” in the morning. I have carried the wisdom he passed on to me through the years and have always deeply valued it. RIP, professor. Xo
Tom was a good, honest man who treated me with respect and always tried to to the right thing. He was somebody I trusted as an administrator. I especially appreciated that he didn’t hide his emotions and was willing to take time to talk with me about good books. Holly
What a perfect picture of Tom. Oh, and that laugh . . .that exuberance . . . and his obvious love for Indiana State University and its students. Tom played a significant role in my professional life and was also my friend. He was a straight shooter, a person with unassailable integrity, and compassionate in his treatment of colleagues and students. Moreover, he was a work-horse who served others without an expectation of accolade or recognition. He saw himself as a servant leader first and foremost. Kathy and family, please accept Paul and my love and heartfelt condolences. It was too soon for him to leave this world, but those who knew and worked with him will carry him in our hearts and memories. I promise. he will not be forgotten. With sympathy, Linda S. Maule and Paul Haynes.
Tom was kind, respectful, and open-minded. He always seemed willing to discuss academic concerns as well as literature. He will be missed. Veanne Anderson
Dick and I are so sad. A true academic. He was devoted to students and faculty in many ways. May his memory be for a blessing.
Dr. Sauer was a kind, pleasant, and open-minded soul. His easy going and approachable persona made teaching AFRI courses enjoyable. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work for him. Sending prayers and hugs to his loved ones. He will be greatly missed.
Tom Sauer was not just a great teacher but an amazing person. I was privileged to know and work with him for over 13 years. He will truly be missed by me and by our lifelong learning program and members. Kathy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I loved this picture of the two of you from Hamilton.
Oh, so sorry. Such a good guy. Always so helpful.
Dear Kathy, What a beautiful photo of both of you. Beautiful and appropriate. So many hearts and thoughts are with you. And these words from Shakespeare’s “Antony and Cleopatra” come to mind: “. . .the odds is gone, And there is nothing left remarkable Beneath the visiting moon.” Sherry Dailey
Dr. Sauer was my favorite undergraduate professor, and he had an enormous influence on me. He will be missed.
Tom Sauer was our leader on a great trip to England and Scotland. He was very knowledgeable and lots of fun. I also took several classes offered thru Olli by Tom. Sending love and hugs to Kathy and his loved ones. Norma Beymer
“He was a man, take him for all in all./I shall not look upon his like again.” – Hamlet I.2.186
Thank you for sharing this photo! I love it!
Tom was a great colleague. I got to know he and Kathy best when we were part of a group traveling to Tambov State University in Russia. I always enjoyed his wit and wisdom. Sincere condolences to his family.
Tom was a great teacher and administrator. He cared so deeply about Indiana State University and its students, faculty, and staff. However, he was a better friend and person. He was so passionate in his love of Kathy, family, and life. Kathy and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. My sincerest condolences. Jack Maynard
Tom has left an indelible impression on all of us because of his great personality, very friendly nature and persuasive demeanor. I remember his witty jokes and hearty laughter that brought amity and sanity among participants in serious discussions in meetings. A perfect gentleman in every sense of the word! We’ll miss him. I convey my deepest condolences to his family.
Although Heaven is blessed to receive this man to eternal life here on earth our hearts our broken. In reflection although the time was short…Tom was in control and efficient and he made every moment count. We have no doubt he treasured and felt blessed to have the time he did to be with his family, to make necessary plans, and to prepare as much as anyone can. We know he is embracing his eternal life with an engaging smile, vigor, and hope. Perhaps teaching a bit of Shakespeare! Bill and Cindy Costanzo
Our deepest condolences to the Sauer family. Although our time together was short, we always loved Tom’s belly laugh! Love, Mason and Tiffany
Dr. Sauer taught a class on Shakespeare with more enthusiasm than I ever thought capable at 8 a.m. He loved the theatre; his lectures were fascinating, and he was always incredibly supportive of my artistic endeavors at the university. I was blessed to have been one of his many students.
Lucky to grow up knowing Thomas George, as well as all of you! I love you all and am so sorry for your loss.
Tom was a great dean, mentor, and friend. He was very supportive of me at ISU, and enabled me to take on several rewarding opportunities to grow as a faculty member. As a new department chair, I knew that he would always give me good advice and a straight answer. And I enjoyed running into him at Rural King when we both needed a part or tool for a home project we each were working on. My deepest condolences for his whole family. And know that he will be missed by those of us at ISU who had the pleasure to know and work with him.
What a privilege it was to work with Tom as my assistant dean, interim dean, and dean. His support of the humanities, faculty, and students was remarkable. I will always remember him and treasure my years at ISU with such a fantastic dean and colleague.
Tom was a great classmate and friend. Through grade school and high school Tom was always the smartest and nicest guy who smiled easily and always had time to talk. He came from a wonderful family and I was proud to call him my friend!
The gift of knowing Tom following our children’s marriage was always full of laughter, wine, good times and food. Our heartfelt condolences.
Jonathan, thank you for your comment! As his daughters, his 8 am enthusiasm during our teenage and college years was not always welcomed. How we would love to be greeted with an early morning “Get vertical!” now.
You are all in our thoughts as you celebrate the life of your father and husband. With much love, Chase, Erika, Ed, Vonnie, Marco and Polly
With deepest sympathy, Palmetto Packaging Corporation, Florence, South Carolina
David and I were saddened to hear of Tom’s illness and death. We always enjoyed talking with him and getting his perspective on theatre productions. He was a lot of fun. Condolences to you, Kathy, and your whole family. David Del Colletti and Barb Austin
I’m sorry to be late coming to this news, and sorrier still to hear it at all. Probably the last time I saw Dr. Sauer was at Dick Landini’s funeral in 2004 or 2005–too long ago, but I thought of him every year at Christmas card time. I’m 40, and I *still* hate being up and at ‘em at 8 am, but for Dr. Sauer, I made it happen and never regretted being there. (I believe his was the last class I had on September 11 before hearing the news.) He also wrote one of my law school recommendations, and in that letter, he was the first person to describe me with a word that has shown up in pretty much every professional evaluation I’ve had in my career: “folksy.” I was always self-conscious about growing up in a small town and having a rural Southern Illinois accent, but Dr. Sauer was the first guy to spin it as one of my assets, and I’ve always been grateful to him for showing me the “me” that he saw. My prayers are with his family and friends. I can still hear in my mind the laugh so many here have described. Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him.