Obituaries : Carlos Eugene “Pete” Sauer

Carlos Eugene “Pete” Sauer, of Vinton, passed away at the age of 60 on April 19, 2026.

Visitation will be held at Phillips Funeral Home on Friday April 24th 3-7PM. Funeral services will take place at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton on April 25th 10:30AM, with burial at Maplewood Cemetery and luncheon to follow. 

A man known by many names—and loved in every one of them—Pete will be remembered for his strong faith, generous heart, and the joy he brought to those around him.

Pete was born in Vinton to Fern Debate Smith and Carlos Sauer. He married his high school sweetheart, Michele Powers, on June 24, 1989, and together they built a life centered on love and family. He was a proud father to Sam (Paula) Sauer of Cedar Rapids and Beth (John) Martin of Dousman, WI, and a devoted “Papa Pete” to his granddaughter, Adeline.

A 1985 graduate of Washington High School, Pete was a multi-sport athlete and lifelong Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He dedicated 37 years to Feiereisen, Inc. and served on the Vinton Fire Department. He loved fishing trips to Canada, morel mushroom hunting, and making others laugh—earning him the nickname “Fun Guy.”

Pete is survived by his wife of 37 years, Michele; his son Sam (Paula) Sauer of Cedar Rapids; his daughter Beth (John) Martin and granddaughter Adeline of Dousman, WI; his brother Eric Sauer and stepbrother David Smith of Vinton; his sister Angela Roberts of Huntington, WV; his stepbrother Brett (Amy) Smith of Palo; his mother-in-law Pat Powers (Tony Schwarting) of Rowley; his brother-in-law Shane (Carrie) Powers of Vinton; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Carlos, mother Fern, stepfather Donald Smith, sister Leeann Sauer, nephew Bradley Smith, his grandparents, and his father-in-law Denny Powers.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com