Vernon Sauter

Vern Sauter was a gifted storyteller with impeccable timing and a fantastic sense of humor. He regaled his family and grandchildren with tales of his childhood growing up in Tuttle, North Dakota: his mom having to sew the neck of his pet chicken but she didn’t do a good enough job and water still dribbled out of his neck when he drank; hiding in the chicken coop all day after his brother Jim told him he was in BIG trouble (he wasn’t), resulting in hours-long baths with lye soap; or how he and his buddies sodded the college President’s office one night and were never caught (it even made Associated Press).

He treasured his idyllic childhood in Tuttle, never lacking in playmates with dozens of cousins living within walking distance. He was given the nickname Ole for his shocking white blond hair that friends and family could spot a mile away. He loved to brag he was valedictorian with his family quickly reminding him the class size was only 13. After graduating from Jamestown College with an education degree, he taught high school history for two years in Salem, North Dakota. His summer work as a case aide at the North Dakota State Hospital in Jamestown though made him realize that there were careers beyond *preachers and teachers* as he would say. Following in the footsteps of his cousin (and best friend) Burt Riskedahl, he enrolled in the Masters of Social Work program at the University of Denver in 1963.

On the first day of graduate school, Vern met the love of his life Martha (Martie) (nee Fox). Family folklore says they spotted each other across the room and made sure they were in the same internship. Martie was so smitten she slipped off her engagement ring (to another fella) and placed it in her pocket by the end of the day. On their first date, they went dancing at a club on Outlook Mountain above Denver. Dancing became their love language and brought them many years of happiness, with their favorite place to dance being at The Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. It’s hard to talk about Vern without talking about Martie. Two peas in a pod. Mr. and Mrs. America. It is rare to find a love like theirs. In fact, Vern’s granddaughters have stated numerous times that their #relationshipgoals are based on their Grammy’s and GDaddy’s. Vern and Martie celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 28th.

After graduate school, Vern worked at Ft. Logan Mental Health Center in Denver, receiving wonderful training that served him well during his career. In 1968 Vern and Martie moved to Amarillo, Texas where Vern worked in a children’s psychiatric hospital working with children and parents, which set him on a track to work as a family therapist for the rest of his career. Three years after coming to Amarillo, Vern accepted a new job at a new children’s psychiatric hospital being established by the Methodist’s Children’s Home in Waco, Texas. He started out as Director of Social Work, which entailed doing therapy and supervision. He eventually became Director of Outpatient Services then Clinical Director, once the Methodist Home became an accredited children’s psychiatric hospital. He spent 31 years at the Methodist Home. When meeting Vern’s work colleagues, his family most often heard the word *mentor,* followed by humor. His supervisory role over the tenure of his career shaped the professional careers of many therapists who worked with him.

Vern had two daughters, Jennifer (Sauter-Price) and Amanda (Sauter-Moore). Vern was the quintessential *girl Daddy*. Cheering his daughters on in everything they did, Vern told them time and time again they could do and be anything they wanted to be. Granted there was also his caveat of “well, anything you can afford,” so he did set limits. Vern’s unconditional love and support has given them the grit and determination to face almost every challenge faced. He shared his love of history and current events, reading, movies, 1970s sitcoms, and comics, which shaped both their lives.

Vern and Martie joined Lake Shore Baptist Church in 1971, with Vern serving as an associate member, remaining faithful to his Lutheran roots. Vern and Martie developed lifelong friendships at Lake Shore. Although Vern held various leadership roles at Lake Shore, he will be most remembered for his *magic* tricks (and the accompanying tune he wrote) at the family retreats at Latham Springs.

In 1994, Vern was diagnosed with late-stage prostate cancer with a poor prognosis. Through determination and discipline with lots of laughter and love, Vern beat the odds. Vern walked both daughters down the aisle, developed strong relationships with his sons-in-law, loved and cherished his grandchildren. Vern never took these years for granted. He carried pocket angels everywhere he went. He would quietly talk with strangers and hear their stories, always placing a pocket angel in their palm as he shook hands goodbye. He was the person people would arrive on their doorstep to talk to when they had no one else to talk to. He was the one who was willing to ask hard questions and stay as they wrestled with the choices and answers. He created community for those who needed it most.

Vern was born on November 3, 1939, in Tuttle, North Dakota, often reminding his family that he was a Depression baby with a wink and a smile. He died peacefully in the early morning of October 13, 2024 at his home, after complications from a stroke in July. A memorial service will be held for Vern on Saturday, November 2 at 1:30 pm at Lake Shore Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank all of Vern’s friends who have provided so much love and support with meals and treats, visits, cards, and calls. The family would also like to thank Right At Home and Community Healthcare of Texas who provided unconditional support during Vern’s final weeks.

Vern was a man filled with kindness and love, and he believed in the good of humanity. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mission Waco (https://missionwaco.givecloud.co/give) or Meals on Wheels-Waco (https://www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org/get-involved/give).