Karla Sauer

Karla Gay Sauer, 70, of Olin passed away Thursday, May 29th, 2025, at the Anamosa Care Center following an extended illness. Karla Gay Moore was born March 3rd, 1955, to Merlin and Carolyn (Conner) Moore.  She attended the Monticello school until 7th grade until the family moved to rural Anamosa where she graduated from Anamosa High School in 1973. On June 30th, 1973, she married Monte (Tanner) Sauer in Anamosa. Together they have 2 sons Trampas (Mamie) and Kahm (Katie) Sauer.  Tanner and Karla have 3 beloved grandsons: Zain Conner – her first grandchild who stole her heart. Grady Robert – those amazing long eyelashes. Heath Jacob – oh those big brown eyes.  All of her boys were what made Karla’s world go round.

Karla started singing in a band at age 11.  Her talent was simply extraordinary even though she would tell you she wasn’t as good as everyone said she was.  She “toured” with her brother Kent and Kent’s Kountry Kombo featuring Karla Gay.  She loved that time of her life and spending time with the many people that followed the band every Saturday night.

Karla worked at Rockwell in Cedar Rapids for 36 years retiring in 2010 to spend time with her grandsons. They adored her and the time they got to spend together was priceless. Karla enjoyed her retirement and if she wasn’t chasing the boys she was probably applying another coat of paint to her walls.  She also enjoyed making candles, taking photos, and playing cards and marbles at the cabin in Delhi.

Karla is survived by her husband Tanner; sons Trampas (Mamie) of Oxford Junction, Kahm (Katie) of Olin, her 3 grandsons, her siblings; Kent (Becky) Moore of Monticello, Kyle (Donna) Moore of Anamosa, Kandi (Jon) Alderdyce of Anamosa, Kip (Tami) Moore of Anamosa and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by an infant brother Kim and her parents.

Please join the family to celebrate Karla and enjoy a video concert by Kent's Kountry Kombo featuring Karla Gay on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 in the gathering room at Hammer’s Hideaway in Olin from 3-7.  Thank you to the Anamosa Care Center and to Above & Beyond Hospice for their care and assistance.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.