Rev. Ralph H Sauter

Born June 14, 1929 in Wamego, Kansas to William and Bertha (Helmick) Sauter, he married Phyllis Jean Williams on April 8, 1950 in Easton. She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Larry (Vicky) Sauter of East Peoria; one granddaughter, Holly Sauter of Broadview, IL; and one nephew, Edward (Emma Lou) Sauter of Jefferson City, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and three sisters.

A United States Army Air Force veteran, he served from October 8, 1946 to February 19, 1947.

Ralph worked at Corn Products in Pekin for 30 years, retiring in 1980.

Pastor Sauter founded the First Baptist Church in Manito in 1964, and continued his ministry at the church for 50 years. Pastor Sauter studied God’s Word through Moody Bible Institute. He also ministered at nursing homes throughout the area for many years with his wife, and assisted in local evangelistic campaigns in small communities throughout Central Illinois. In past years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin, and also from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church in Manito.

His funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015 at the First Baptist Church, 1105 South East Avenue in Manito where he served his Lord. Burial will be at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin, where military rites will be accorded by the United States Air Force.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Manito, Post Office Box 101, Pekin, IL 61555-0101.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com