Tom Sauer became a part of the Milaca Community as Mr. Sauer when he began his

teaching career as a student teacher in 1965. He taught Chemistry classes to 11th and 12th

grade students, Earth Science to 8th grade students, and Physical Science to 9th grade

students.
 

Tom’s official teaching assignment started in 1966 and continued decades later until his

retirement in 2000. During his tenure at MHS he taught Chemistry for grades 11 and 12,

Consumer Science for grades 11 and 12, Earth Science for 8th grade, Physical Science for

9th grade, Physics for 12th grade, Astronomy for grades 11 and 12, and Computer Science

for grades 11 and 12.
 

Another segment of his talents were used serving as the Science Department Chair for 30

years. He also served as a volunteer advisor for the 9-12 Environmental Club providing the

first paper recycling bins for each classroom in grades 7-12, and to this day the students

collect and empty the bins each week. Tom shared his skills with Community Education as

well teaching Intro to Programming and Community College Classes Intro to Computer

Programming. He was a Junior Class Advisor 34 years which included managing

concessions, float decorating, prom decorating, prom dance chaperone and graduation usher.

Tom has volunteered in the Milaca community as a president, treasurer, and volunteer for the

Milaca Area Historical Society from 2006 - 2024, for the Milaca Civil Defense Committee, he

served on the Milaca Planning Commission, as a Hall of Fame Committee member and

treasurer for 14 years, on the Central Mille Lacs County United Way Board, on the East

Central Regional Library Board for 9 years, on the Community Education Board, as a

volunteer for Milaca Friends of the Library for 15 years, on the St. Mary’s Cemetery

Committee for 20 years, as a St. Mary’s Usher, grounds committee member for 30 years, at

the St. Mary’s Election Day Supper for over 50 years, and for the Minnesota Academy of

Science as a member for 35 years.
 

Tom and Yvonne have lived in Milaca for 58 years where they continue to volunteer with the

Friends of the Library and the Milaca Area Historical Society. They are avid readers, enjoy

music, and gather information for their family trees. They try to see their extended family as

often as possible and are happy that their 5 children and 10 grandchildren all live in the state.