Michael Patrick Sayer

March 17, 1949-May 13, 2012

GOTHENBURG, Nebraska -- Michael Patrick Sayer, 63, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died Sunday (May 13, 2012), at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, following a courageous battle with cancer.

He was born March 17, 1949, at McCook, Nebraska, to David and Betty Sayer of Cambridge, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm and graduated with the class of 1968. He enlisted in the Air Force on Feb. 14, 1969, and was stationed at Wichita, Kansas, until receiving orders to go overseas to Guam. He was honorable discharged on March 28, 1972.

On Dec. 20, 1969, he married Teresa Vandervort at McCook, and to this union two sons, Ronald Michael and Randy Lee were born. He farmed with his dad on the family farm after being discharged from the service until moving to Gothenburg in 1985. In 2001, he started working for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation.

He rode with the Pony Express Re-Riders and served with the American Legion.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty; father David; brother David, Jr.; nephew Doug Hinton; and parents-in-law Bud and Harriet Vandervort.

Survivors include his wife Terri of Gothenburg; two sons, Ron of Hastings and Randy of Omaha; a sister, Luella Hinton of Cambridge; a brother, Wayne Sayer of Hansen, Idaho; a niece; and many friends.

Funeral services are at 10:30 a.m., Friday, at First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave., in Gothenburg, with the Rev. Larry Viter officiating. Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Visitation is at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska, Thursday, 1-8 p.m. with the family present from 6-7 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Banner United Methodist Church or the Gothenburg American Legion.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.