Jerry Sauer, 67, of Newhall and Big Bear Lake passed away July 21, 2013 in Mission Hills, Calif.

Born in Dinuba, Calif., and raised in Chico, Calif., Sauer is survived by his wife of 37 years, Gerry Sauer, daughter Stephanie Sauer, both of Newhall, a brother and sister-in law Arthur and Betty Sauer of Spokane, Washington, niece Susan (Rodney) Erickson and nephew Michael Sauer of Spokane, Wash., mother-in-law Betty Hardison of Fillmore, Calif., and brother-in-law Thomas Hardison of Ventura, Calif.

Jerry Sauer graduated from California State University Chico with a Bachelor's Degree in Business and received his teaching credential from California Lutheran University.

Teaching was his passion and he touched the lives of many students and their parents at Newhall's Peachland Elementary School for 35 years. He especially loved teaching second grade, spending nearly all of his career teaching second-graders.

He loved old cars, swap meets, garage sales, helping his friends in need, who remember fondly his wit and wonderful sense of humor.

His daughter Stephanie said, "my dad was one of the best 'good guys' around. Always wanting to help friends and thriving in helping to educate children — he particularly loved helping kids learn to read. He also loved my geriatric clients and supported my passion for gerontology. If one of my clients needed a piece of durable medical equipment and couldn't afford it, he was right out there looking for it for them. I'm proud to be his daughter and know hundreds of local kids are better for having had him in their lives. He's one of those people you never forget. A light as bright as my dad's never completely stops from shining—his legacy lives on in many."

Services for Jerry Sauer will be held at Eternal Valley Memorial Park, 3287 North Sierra Hwy, Newhall, CA 91321, on Friday, Aug. 9, at 10:00 a.m. and will be officiated by Dr. Marc Winger, Superintendent of Newhall School District. A reception will follow from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at William S. Hart Regional Park 24151 Newhall Avenue, CA 91321.

Donations can be made in Jerry's name to the Children's Home Society (1300 West Fourth Street Los Angeles, CA 90017) or the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center (22900 Market Street, Newhall, CA 91321).

Dress for the service is casual. Feel free to wear Hawaiian shirts.