Michael "Mike" Patrick Sayer, 63, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died Sunday, May 13th, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born March 17th, 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 February 14th, 1969 and was stationed at Wichita, Kansas, until receiving orders to go overseas to Guam. Mike was honorable discharged on March 28th, 1972.

On December 20th, 1969, he married Teresa Vandervort at McCook, Nebraska and to this union two sons Ronald Michael and Randy Lee were born. Mike 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 enjoyed most spending time with family and friends. He rode in the Pony Express Re-Riders and served with the American Legion.

He will be remembered for always having a smile and his joking nature. He was always the first to volunteer to help and was never afraid of hard work.
Mike was preceded in death by his mom, Betty; father, David; brother, David, Jr.; nephew, Doug Hinton; parents-in-law, Bud and Harriet Vandervort.
Survivors include his loving wife, Terri of Gothenburg; son, Ron of Hastings, Nebraska; son, Randy of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Luella Hinton of Cambridge; brother, Wayne Sayer of Hansen, Idaho; nieces, Becky Hinton and Sherri D'Angelo; along with many friends.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Thursday, May 17th, 2012, 1 p.m.-8 p.m., with the family present from 6-7.
Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE, May 18th, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., with Pastor Larry Viter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

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.