Dennis Delane Sayler

He was born on his family’s farm in Venturia, North Dakota, which had a population of about 257 people at that time. Today, the population is down to 20 people.

His father was Gottlieb Sayler, and his mother was Lydia Sayler.

His family raised cattle and chickens. One day he got in the bull’s pin and tried to ride him. He was thrown off and just managed to get out of the fence.

In about 1952, when Dennis was about 15 years old, his family packed up whatever they could get in their car and followed his uncles to Portland, Oregon. His uncle’s opened a restaurant, specializing in steak. Eventually, other family members came to Portland and worked in the restaurant.

Dennis graduated from Gresham Union High School.

In 1957, he was called up to serve in the United States Army. He served at Fort Ord in California. He was subsequently transferred to Fort Riley, Kansas. While at Fort Riley, he served as an assistant to the General. He polished silverware, ran arrands and drove the General in his Jeep, wherever he needed to be. He sometimes drove the Jeep alone. He would take his hat off and as he drove past, people would think he was the General and would salute him. He had a blast with that. He left service in 1959.

He started working at the family restaurant as a busser and helped seat people at their tables. It continues to operate today under the name “Sayler’s Steak House.”

He had a job with a car dealership, driving a motorcycle. He was struck by a car and propelled through its windshield. He needed to quit his job and recover from his facial injuries. Dennis was the person that took over this job that our paster had. What a small world. Years later, Dennis would be attending the same church as our minister, Bro Waudby.

He eventually started truck driving for a wholesale company called S.E. Rykoff. He delivered groceries and worked in the warehouse for 32 years.

He loved racing go-carts at the Portland Speedway and was President of the NW Pushcar Association in 1972. He loved camping and traveling around the country, going to different Church Conventions. He played the tuba in our church band and played the bass fiddle in our Bluegrass Band.

He retired at age 62 and started working for the Suburban Ford and Chevrolet dealerships in Sandy, OR. He drove vehicles to different dealerships doing “car trades” for them. That was another job that he loved. He attracted attention driving impressive cars on the road.

He started going back to church and received the Holy Ghost in 1974. He was a very devoted man of God and loved the Lord with all his heart. He was constantly ready to help whenever anyone or anything was requested at the church.

He loved making new friends wherever he went. In his younger years, you would always be able to find him at the local coffee shop, talking and making friends with whomever he met.

As his dementia progressed, his heart tenderized, and all his walls dropped. We developed a closer relationship and continued to bond closer together. We have been married for 44 years, and this last year has been the best year of our married lives.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Donna Sayler. They were married in 1981. His sister, Marilyn King, his sons Kim Sayler and Stephen Sayler; daughter, Teresa Baker. His 5 Grandchildren Jessica Mason, Danielle Baker, Andy Sayler, Christopher Wyatt, and Brandon Wyatt as well as his 4 Great Grandchildren: Samantha Howell, Rylan Baker, Logan Sayler and Hayes Mason.

Those who preceded his in death are his parents, Gottlieb and Lydia Sayler; his sister, Betty Boyd; his Brother, Jim Sayler, a daughter, Kimberly Wyatt; his son Baby boy twin of Kim Sayler (died hours after birth). 3 Wives, Lavola – married in 1955, Naoma – married in 1964 and Bonnie – married in 1970.

A Celebration of Life Service with Military Honors will be held at Tabernacle of Hope Church in Portland, Oregon, on November 15th, 2025, at 1:45pm.

Dennis will be laid to rest at the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to: AMVETS, National Foundation for Cancer Research, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America