Henry G. Sauer

Hank Sauer, age 96, of Secaucus , NJ entered into eternal peace after being called by our Lord , Monday 26 May 2014. Hank was a devout Christian and Master Mason of 75 years who began his every day in prayer and meditation thankful for all the blessings he had received. He dedicated his life to Christ in all that he did “striving first for the kingdom of God”. His legacy will not be what he left behind rather those whose lives he touched and the help he gave them along the way. Counselor, mentor, guide, friend and father all describe him. He lent constant support, encouragement and kindness to those he encountered whether it was his children and grandchildren, daughters in laws, scouts, cadets, officers, brothers and strangers as he walked through life’s adventures. Hank’s 96 years were filled with many adventures from over 40 years in Scouting, traveling around the world visiting his sons on active duty, to the many ceremonies and activities at the U.S. Military Academy. All of these adventures he did with his loving wife, June for over 6o years. Hank and June were honorary members of West Point Association of Graduates “Friends of West Point”, the first parents of USMA graduates to have this honor bestowed upon them. Hank was an accomplished insurance adjustor and inspector for over 35 years with Royal Globe Insurance and upon retirement continued working in the insurance industry for a local firm in Jersey City until final retirement. Hank dedicated his life to raising his sons Gary and Wayne Sauer by being active in Scouting where he was a Committee member, Chairman, Assistant Scoutmaster and Unit Commissioner. In these roles he was instrumental in teaching his sons and many others the values and craft of Scouting encouraging young boys to mature with confidence and a strong feeling of self-accomplishment. Many reputable men of Secaucus remember “Mr. S” and their days of camping and adventures in the outdoors as well as the many tours he personally led for high school students to West Point. Several students from those trips actually went on to be West Point graduates. Much like his wife June, Hank always encouraged all to “do your best” and trust in God in all that you do. His own two sons became Eagle Scouts and went on to graduate from West Point. He was terrific father- in –law and embraced his daughters – in – law as his own daughters. As a grandfather, he was quickly dubbed “Poppyboy” and he loved having 5 grandsons who will forever remember his jokes and pranks he would play to draw out laughter. He was unselfish in giving of his time and resources for them and emphasizing to them the importance of a good education and striving for the best you can be. Hank was most proud to tell all that he had 6 Eagle Scouts in his family with a 7th on the way. In his last days with us he mustered the strength to be at the 6th Eagle Scout ceremony playing an active part in the award. His youngest grandson will transition to Scouts within the year following Hank’s original charge of some 60 years ago. Hank was an avid reader after retirement and member of the Secaucus Golden Age senior citizen club. He and June have many loyal friends they have traveled with and have been blessed with their company over the years, especially Fred and Mary Deitzel, their neighbors who are as faithful as family members including Joy Falk, David Opdyke, Stacy Trocheck, Karen and Alan Bonin, and the honorable Mayor Mike Gonnelli (prior Pack 50 Den 5 member). Hank is pre-deceased by his loving wife June and will be lovingly remembered by his family including his two sons and daughters-in – law Gary and Melissa Sauer of Herndon VA, Wayne and Monique Sauer of Ashburn VA, 5 grandchildren Alex, Ian Weston Ryan and Nathan, his brother and sister in laws Buddy and Margie Aitkens, Bill Aitkens, Sugar and Ted Jachera, 11 nieces and nephews and the countless West Point graduates, cadets and midshipmen who called him Pop. A special thank you to the staff of Sunrise Assisted Living of Reston, VA whose compassion and caring made his last year with us special and a place he called home. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in memory of Henry to the St Jude Children’s Research Hospital of 501 St Judes Place, Memphis TN 38105 or call 800-805-5856. A Masonic Rite ceremony will be held at 8 am on Friday for all masonic brothers. Visitation will open from 9am to 11am, Friday May 30, 2014 followed by a service at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Crest Haven Cemetery, Clifton NJ. Please send tributes&condolencestowww.mackmemorialhome.com