William Sauter

William “Bill” Sauter, of Escanaba, passed away Friday morning, September 20, 2019 at St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. He was born on December 29, 1946 in Antigo, WI to the late Joseph and Jeanette (Sundell) Sauter. The family moved to Iron Mountain, MI where he graduated from Iron Mountain High School in 1965. He continued his education at Northern Michigan University, where he played football for the Wildcats. In 1969, he completed his Bachelors of Science Degree and in 1974, his Master’s Degree in Speech Pathology.

On July 19, 1969, Bill married the former Jeanne Helen Harvey in Iron Mountain, MI. Together they raised two children, Elizabeth “Shayne” and “William” J. Harvey Sauter. Recently, the couple celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Mackinac Island surrounded by their family and friends. 

Bill was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba where he served on the church council, sang in the choir, and looked forward to socializing with the Friday coffee group. An active member of the community, Bill served as a Past Exalted Ruler of the Escanaba Elks Club #354, and was both the secretary and treasurer of the Bayshore Kiwanis Club. For 49 years, Bill was employed by the Delta-Schoolcraft Intermediate School District as a speech pathologist and preschool coordinator. For many years, he served as MEA president for the DSISD collective bargaining unit.  He was looking forward to starting year 50 this fall as he cherished all of the staff and students he worked with throughout his many years.

An avid sports fan, Bill enjoyed everything sports related. He loved playing, coaching, and watching numerous sports, but especially enjoyed watching his beloved Packers, Tigers, and MSU Spartans. Above all else, he looked forward to attending his grandchildren’s events as family was always his first love. 

William J. Sauter is survived by his wife, Jeanne Sauter of Escanaba; daughter, Shayne (Jason) Dix of Gladstone; son, William (Alicia) Sauter of Neenah, WI; grandchildren, Madeline, Avery, and Sawyer Dix, and Lilah Sauter; sister, Sandy Hoffman (Jim Breitenbucher) of Minneapolis, MN; brother, Paul Sauter (Lynn Lancour) of Shawano, WI; several nieces, nephews, and special cousin, Shirley Smith of Marquette.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jeanette Sauter.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Sunday, September 29, 2019 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba. Funeral services celebrating the life of Bill will follow at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, with the Rev. Dave Van Kley officiating. A reception will be held following the services at the Escanaba Elks Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials please be directed to the Bethany Lutheran Church Steeple Fund or the Delta County Cancer Alliance. 

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