Lois Saggau
November 10, 2008
Lois Nadine Saggau, 78, wife of former IHSAA Executive Director Bernie Saggau, passed away early Monday morning at Kavanagh on Grand in West Des Moines. She died peacefully with her husband, Bernie Saggau, at her side. Lois was born March 25, 1930 on a farm in Coon Rapids, where she and her older brother Ronald were raised by their parents Floyd and Hildred Kretzinger. Lois and Bernie met at Buena Vista University and were married in 1952. They raised their three children, Jeffery, Rebecca, and David Saggau in the communities of Cherokee, Storm Lake, and Boone, where they resided the longest (1962 – 1998). They lived in West Des Moines the past 10 years. Lois was active in Questers, PEO, and the Des Moines Women’s Club. She enjoyed antiques, collectibles, and art history. Lois and Bernie enjoyed traveling with friends and gathering at home or at Lake Okoboji with family. They attended the West Des Moines United Methodist Church.
Lois is survived by her husband, Bernie; her daughter, Rebecca Saggau of Florida; her son, David (Kris) Saggau of West Des Moines; her beloved grandchildren, Helen, Anna, Bernie and Lydia Saggau, all of West Des Moines; and her nephew, Douglas Kretzinger of Colorado; and her cousins, Sam Cretsinger of Coon Rapids, Darlene Bowman of Carroll, and Pete Oliver of Coon Rapids. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and son, Jeff.
The family will greet friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, November 14, 2008 at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 15 at West Des Moines United Methodist Church, 720 Grand Avenue. Immediately following the services, Lois will be laid to rest in the Jordan Cemetery. Friends and family are invited to gather at the church following the services for food and fellowship.
Lois will be remembered for the love and many questions she had for the people that interested her, which included everyone. Memorial contributions may be made to the Lois Saggau Memorial for the Iowa Hall of Pride or to the Des Moines Women’s Club. Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers be sent to the Saggau Family at 501 S. 28th Street, West Des Moines, IA 50265
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Ann Ellsworth
11/13/2008
Dear Mr. Saggau,
I did not know your wife, but I am sorry to hear of her death. It seems she was a vital and active person. You most likely will not remember me, but I was a student at Wilson Jr. High (Cherokee) in the mid-1950s and I remember you as a sympathetic person. I went on to become a high school English teacher, to raise a family and farm in the Waterloo area for 15 years, and then after divorcing to return to teaching, first at UNI and Wartburg College, and after getting my doctorate at UI, at Truman State U. in MO. I'm now retired in AZ, but still interested in education.
I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your children. Ann Ellsworth
Clark Yaggy
11/13/2008
Dear Bernie - I wanted to say hello from a former Cherokee student and tell you that I am thinking of you in this time of Lois' passing. I first met you when you were my 7th grade Civics class teacher (1955-56)and the next year our Junior High School prinicpal. This had to be no more than a year or two after Rankin Creele brought you to Cherokee. I ordered and have read Chuck Offenberger's book about you and the "Iowa Boys" and, of course, focused in on your early career starting in Cherokee. The descriptions of you and Bruce Pickford traveling to referee basketball games were particularly entertaining. At any rate, as I said, I wanted to say hello and send my sincere sympathy to you and your family in Lois' passing. I know you all miss her terribly. My hope is that all can soon focus more on the fond memories and less on the mournfulness of the end. My love and prayers to you all.
Clark Yaggy
Donna Hanen Muhm
11/13/2008
My sincere sympathies to the Saggau family from a Boone High School classmate of Jeff and friend of Becky. It has been a long time since we have seen each other but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Lois was a regular visitor to the Spirit Lake Fish Hatchery, which I manage, though I always seemed to miss her visits. She did have a good time speaking to our office manager Wendy. Wendy had retinal surgery done by David, so it truly is a small world.
My heartfelt condolences,
Donna
Ed Poush - Grinnell
11/13/2008
Dr. David Saggau and family
I am one of thousands of your former patients and wish to offer sympathy at the death of your mother. May your faith sustain you in this time of loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. With continued gratitude for my eyesight, I remain,
Ed Poush
Grinnell
Donna & Mike Schoneboom
11/10/2008
Bernie, we are so sorry for your loss. Lois was a wonderful lady and will be missed so much! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Donna & Mike