Claudette L. Sawyer
A memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Adams, Wisconsin. Rev. John Krebs will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Claudette was born on October 5, 1938, in Madison, Wisconsin, to Harold (Happy) Strand and Mildred Strand (née Meiller). The family moved to the Adams-Friendship area in 1948. She graduated from Adams-Friendship High School in 1956. She enjoyed high school and was a cheerleader and baton twirler. Her sons believed she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Winning the Adams County Fairest of Them All in 1956 and her occasional striking resemblance to Jackie Kennedy Onassis only reinforced their heartfelt admiration.
Claudette’s greatest love, Tom Sawyer, first noticed her cheerleading at a high school basketball game and felt compelled to pursue her. After a year of dating and several proposals later, they embarked on a beautiful love story that lives on through their “4 Lads,” grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Claudette and Tom spent their early years in Germany while Tom was stationed in the U.S. Army. Upon returning, Claudette embraced her greatest role as a mother; raising her four boys while also working in various positions, including Adams City Treasurer, school cook, waitress, and bookkeeper at Roberts Motors.
In addition to motherhood, Claudette was active in her community, serving on the Adams-Friendship School Board in the late 1970s, as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School teacher, and PTA member. She loved playing softball and teaching her boys baseball, rarely missing their games, and continued to attend her grandchildren’s sports activities until she could no longer travel.
As her health declined and after losing Tom, Claudette found joy in family visits and cherished photos of her grandchildren. Known for her sense of humor and quick wit, her mind remained sharp until her final days.
While she could no longer attend church over the last several years, she became a prayer warrior for her family. Her love for the Lord Jesus was real, quiet, and firm. She is now enjoying worshiping Him face-to-face alongside her lifelong love, Tom. They are both more alive than ever, and her boys look forward to that soon-coming day when Jesus will gather us all to Himself for the best church service ever.
Claudette is survived by her sons, Alan (Chris) Sawyer, Coy (Mary) Sawyer, Lance (Amy) Sawyer, and Jay (Misty) Sawyer; 17 grandchildren: Scott Sawyer, Brett (Becky) Sawyer, Jacob Sawyer, Talitha (Nate) Groshek, Josiah (Rebekah) Sawyer, Moriah (Ethan) Keller, Sara (Zane) Skiff, Chad Sawyer, Ashlee Sawyer, Chantz Sawyer, Olivia (Kolt) Rogers, Haley (Spencer) Kuehl, Matthew Sawyer, Courtney Sawyer, Jerrica Pierce, Jaina Pierce, and Jaryn Sawyer; 19 great-grandchildren: Millie Sawyer, Peyton, Landon, Piper, and Lukas Groshek; Elsie and Laura Sawyer; Thomas, Carolyn, and Abigail Keller; Brielle, Tenley, and Paisley Cammack; Declan Kolstad; Ryla Kuehl; Goku Sawyer; Aidyn and Alaina Schneider, and Lilith McCartney ; along with her sister Sharon Boersma, brother-in-law Raymond (Rose) Sawyer, and sister-in-law Dorothy Sawyer.
She was preceded in death by her beloved Tom; her parents, Harold and Mildred Strand; sister Wanda Strand; brother-in-law Ronald Boersma; and brother-in-law Robert Sawyer.
Roseberry’s Funeral Home is assisting the family. Visit www.roseberrys.com for online condolences and further information.
Very sorry to see of the passing of Claudette, what a great lady, we were very fortunate to have known her and Tom Sawyer over the years. What a beautiful well written inspiring article on her life & legacy. A praying Mom is very powerful, way to go Claudette! Sincere condolences to her family.
Thinking of Claudette’s family at this sad time. May your good memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Thoughts an Prayers to all the Family I enjoyed the time with her when I cleaned her apartment Such a very nice Lady
My condolences to the family.
We were saddened to hear of Claudette’s passing. The family of Adam-Friendship will all miss her.
Sorry to hear about the loss of Claudette, you are all in my thoughts and prayers. So many good memories through the years – from childhood when we were alley neighbors and Alan and I would skip to school together, to seeing them both in church or out & about and she always reminded me of that picture in her mind. Always a smile, that special giggle she had – she will be missed and remembered.
Our heartfelt sympathy to the 4 Lads and families for the loss of your mother.
Tom and Claudette were such fun people and devoted parents and church members. May God Bless you and be with you at this very difficult time. 🙏🏼✝️
Our condolences to Claudette’s family. As a 1956 AF High School graduate myself, we were blessed with so many memorable activities during those years with Claudette. It was always a delight to have her participation in everything she got involved with. After graduating from college and leaving the area, my wife, Janice, and I continued to stay in touch with Tom and Claudette during our many visits back to the Adams area for class and family reunions. Claudette always brought a special touch with her involvement and we loved her very much. I’m sure Jesus will have a special place for her in heaven with Tom, and we will once again see both of them when it comes our time.
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing that she is with Tom now. Prayers to you all for comfort in this time. She was a wonderful woman.
Although I haven’t lived in the area
for a long time I remember Claudette from high school. She wa always cheerful, pleasant, and you lads are correct; she was very attractive.
My deepest sympathy to all her family.
May God hold you in his palm as you go thru this difficult time.
Such a tremendous loss.
May her and Tom be happily united in eternal life.
What am amazing couple!
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you
LOVE ANR PRAYERS TO FAMILY AND FRIENDS i REGRET THAT I AM NOT ABLE TO ATTEND HER FUNERALdue to my health.
My sincere condolence to Claudette’s family. I worked with your mom at Roberts Motors. What a classy lady. R.I.P.
So sorry to hear this news. I remember Claudette growing up in Adams. She always had a smile and time to visit. Our condolences to Claudette’s family.
So sorry for your loss. Another ion has left us. RIP Claudette. Say hi to Tom for us until we’re all together again.
Sorry for your families loss. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry to hear of your loss. We will be keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this journey in your lives. May you feel the sweet arms of Jesus holding you tight..
Our thoughts and prayers are with the extended Sawyer family. Claudette was most definitely a very involved mother with the sons, let all of those wonderful memories bring all of you comfort at this time. Claudette and Tom are rejoicing and thinking about all of you. A wonderful lady, RIP Claudette. Dennis & Judy Allen
My condolences to Jay and the whole Sawyer family. Claudette always made me feel very welcome hanging out at the Sawyer house. She was a great lady and I always looked up to Claudette and Tom – they were good examples of kindness and love. You’re in my prayers.
So very sorry to hear of Claudette’s passing. Our thoughts are with all her family.
Jay and brothers ,
My deepest condolences , so sad to hear of Claudette’s passing,thoughts and prayers at this time may God Bless the family with many wonderful memories of love your mother had for each of her family members. And may these memories give you peace, love and comfort.
To the 4 lads
I have good memories of Tom and Claudette. They are going to be missed. So sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for the loss of Claudette.
Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers 🙏
My heartfelt sympathy to all the family. So many good memories of both Tom and Claudette.
To the “4 Lads” my prayers is with the family for comfort and peace. I remember growing up across the road from the family. Your mom was the nicest person.
To the “4 LADS” and their families, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hold all these beautiful memories close and your family. R.I.P. Claudette.
My condolences and prayers to all of Claudette’s family……may God Bless your family and bring you comfort during this very difficult time….Rest in peace Claudette. 🙏😥