- Date Of Birth: July 3, 1942
- Date Of Death: May 5, 2017
- State: Idaho
Don Irvin Sauer was born July 3, 1942 in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Drucilla West Sauer and Edward I. Sauer. Don had an older brother and three sisters to grow up with on the family farm in Lewisville, Idaho. The value of hard work was learned as Don helped with the daily responsibility of milking 50 dairy cows and the harvest of potato and hay crops. He played football and enjoyed a woodshop class where he made a cedar chest for his mother. He graduated from Rigby High School, then from Idaho State University in 1965. He completed Army ROTC classes and training, but was granted an Honorable Discharge after a back injury. In 1963 Don’s father passed away from cancer, a difficult time.
While attending school at ISU Don married Jeanine Rigby of Rigby, Idaho. They would eventually celebrate 53 years of marriage together. Don began a 30-year banking career at Idaho 1st National Bank in Pocatello. His career continued with work in many different branches: Idaho Falls, Sandpoint, Wallace, and Coeur d’ Alene. He graduated from University of Washington Pacific Coast Banking School in 1975. In 1986, Don moved the family to Boise, Idaho and then in 1991 Don and Jeanine moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he served as President and CEO of West One Bank, Utah. US Bank eventually purchased West One and Don retired in 1996. He enjoyed the opportunities, challenges and especially the people he became acquainted with during his career. Don worked with the Jr. Achievement Program, the Board of Coeur d’ Alene Chamber of Commerce and the United Way.
Don loved his family. Daughter Carey was born in Pocatello and son Craig while living in Sandpoint. Family activities included fishing, hunting, camping, snowmobiling, gardening, golfing and boating. Many vacations were spent at the Rigby family cabin in Island Park, Idaho. Don especially enjoyed coaching and supporting his kids’ softball and baseball teams.
After retiring, Don and Jeanine moved back to Boise allowing more time for family, travel and hobbies. The addition of four grandchildren and their activities became a special source of joy. Throughout his life Don loved to fish, which included tying his own flies.
After an extended illness, Don passed away May 5, 2017 at The Terraces of Boise.
Don is survived by his wife Jeanine, children Carey (Pat) and Craig (Addie), four grandchildren Jake, Brooke, Riley and Jackson. Brother Lee (Pamela), sisters Nancy, Betty (Brooks) and Nyla (Vic) and many nieces and nephews.
