Helmuth O Sautter

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Helmuth Otto Sautter, 89, of Palm Coast, FL, will be held on Friday, November 17, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Palm Coast. He lived a Christ-centered life, and was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, inventor, solar advocate, and nature lover. He passed away on November 14th at his home, surrounded by his family.

Known to his friends as Hal, he was born in Toledo, Ohio to parents Herman Sautter and Anna Sophie Lang. While he had planned to go on to vocational school, a keen high school principal recognized Hal's scholastic aptitude and encouraged him (via a scholarship) to attend the University of Toledo. Here, he met his future wife, Winifred Bradford, in a two-hour book line. However, while marriage was in his future, that future was still a ways off. In January 1951, Hal graduated Cum Laude and went on to teach physics and engineering courses. Two years into teaching, a friend of his alerted him to Bell Labs recruiters on campus and shortly thereafter, Hal signed on to become part of their research team. However, his path was diverted as he was drafted and assigned to the Signal Corp at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. During his time there, he and other scientific professionals designed a vehicle ranging system and used infrared equipment on field maneuvers. As his two years in the army were ending, his new life was beginning as he and Winifred were married in November, 1956. They started their family in New Jersey, and in 1958, had their first daughter, Julie. Despite thinking it might be fun to have both a girl and a boy, Win and Hal were surprised by twin girls instead in 1961.

Win and Hal spent 30 years together in their New Jersey home. During this time, Hal’s work at Bell Labs engaged him in many interesting projects, and he earned several patents, including one for the first overhead optical scanner (1988). Outside the office, he made an electric car with friend and co-worker Jimmy Wilson, first converting a Renault and later a 1969 Toyota Corolla. Vacations were spent with the family camping, visiting relatives, seeing the National Parks including Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, and visiting the Florida Keys. In 1988, Hal retired and he and Win moved to Palm Coast, FL. This home became a haven for their children and grandchildren and many a vacation and happy times were spent here. Daily walks with their dog provided many ways to connect with their neighbors and their community.

Hal's positive outlook on life was instilled in his family, and seen by all those who called him friend. In addition to supporting the scholastic and church activities of his children, he sponsored children through the Christian Children's Fund, and supported his local church, Trinity Presbyterian, through mission programs. In addition to these charities, he was always looking for ways to help others. He got that opportunity several years ago when a group known as the Floating Doctors moved into the neighborhood and docked their boat. This group's mission is to use their boat to provide free healthcare and medical supplies to isolated areas. As the doctors readied their boat for travel, Hal found his opportunity to help out by providing and installing solar panels to help power their boat. The crew went on to sail the boat to Haiti and other nearby ports to help thousands of people.

He leaves behind two brothers, Richard and wife Daun, Robert and wife Sally, his three children,

Julie DeWandel and husband Mark, Jennifer Shriver and husband Sid, and Alicia Truman and husband Bill, as well as grandchildren Samantha and Andy Truman and Jessica and Rachel Shriver. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to The Floating Doctors (FloatingDoctors.com) or the Stuart F. Meyer Hospice house in Palm Coast. For online condolences, go to: www.craigflaglerpalms.com. Arrangements in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home.