Walter Kenneth Sauer

Walter was born on Feb 4, 1926 in Ritzville, Washington to Rudolph and Bertha Sauer, the last of three children. The family later moved to Harrington, and Walter’s family attended the Harrington Evangelical Church where he felt called to serve in the ministry.

Walter enrolled in Whitworth College graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree. On June 6, 1948, he married Dolores Koch, also from Harrington. After Whitworth, he enrolled in Western Evangelical Seminary and received a Masters of Divinity. During his time at Whitworth and Western Evangelical Seminary, Walter and Dolores had three children: Stephen, Rebecca, and Miriam. After ordination, he was assigned to pastor his home church in Harrington. During this time, Walter attended the US Army Chaplain School in New York City, after which he performed duties as a Chaplain in the Army Reserve in addition to serving the Harrington church.

In 1964, while serving as pastor in Seattle, Walter received orders to report for active duty with the US Army. He was assigned to the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washingtion where he served as Chaplain to the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment. During his 20 year career Walter also served two tours in Vietnam, as well as tours in Korea, Germany and several locations in the United States. As a career officer he received a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and many other commendations. He retired after 20 years in the Service at the rank of Colonel.

After his military retirement, Walter continued to serve in the ministry in Sunsites, Arizona and as Chaplain at Rockwood Retirement South Hill Spokane, Washington.

Walter was known as a man of his word. He was steady, reliable, and thoughtful. He kept in touch with, prayed for, and supported several missionaries and students throughout his life. He was gratefully remembered by men he ministered to in Vietnam. He prayed for each of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren every day. When Dolores was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, he took care of her at home for many years and visited her every day after she was placed in memory care. Walter spent his final years living at Touchmark on the South Hill, where he was active in the community. He was greatly appreciated and respected by all at Touchmark.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores Sauer; his parents, Rudolph and Bertha Sauer; his brother Richard Sauer and sister Ruby Kelleher. He is survived by his children: Steve (Connie) Sauer, Portland, OR, Rebecca (John) Wilson, Spokane, WA, Miriam Piccard, Spokane, WA; his grandchildren: Sta’Cee (Jimmy) Godard, Steve (Shauna) Sauer, Tom (Claire) Sauer, Timothy (Shayna) Sauer, Martha Wilson, Andrew (Kumiko) Wilson, Sam (Susan) Wilson and Jenn (Curt) Black and his great-grandchildren: Annikah, Amelia, Titus and Adalie Godard, Nathan and Madison Sauer, Wilson Black, Makoto and Izumi Wilson, and another on the way.

Friends and family are invited to share in the Memorial Service being held July 23, 2 pm at Touchmark: 2929 S Waterford Dr, Spokane, WA.

The family would like to thank Horizon Hospice & Palliative Care for providing care for Watler in his last days. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Walter’s name to the charity of your choice.

Matthew 25:23a, “His lord said to him “Well done, good and faithful servant.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BallandDodd.com for the Sauer family.