Jay C. Sauter

Jay Sauter, 59, of Appleton, achieved eternal peace at his home on Saturday, May 2, 2015 surrounded by faith and love. He was born and raised in Appleton, son of Calvin and Ramona (Fleischacker) Sauter. After attending St. Bernadette grade school, James Madison Junior High School (where he met wife Kris), and Appleton East High School '74, Jay became an Evans Scholar and graduated from UW-Madison.

Jay was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, roles he cherished throughout his life. He was truly proud of his partnership with Kris and the two strong young women they were privileged to raise together. Jay loved spending time with his family whether holidays, family vacations, teaching his daughters to golf, coaching their soccer teams, attending school/extra-curricular or performance events, or simply providing a pep talk before a big exam or audition. He also valued time spent on the golf course and could often be found on the links with his family of “brothers from other mothers.”

After beginning his career at Peat Marwick Mitchell and Schumacher Romenesko, Jay spent the past 30 years of his professional life at Bassett Mechanical, most recently as Chief Financial Officer and Vice-President of Finance, a position and organization he treasured. Professional and community organizations in which Jay enjoyed participation include East Wisconsin Savings Bank Board, Executive Agenda 35, Kaukauna Rotary, Affinity Health System Board, Fox Valley Golf Club, Actors Anonymous, Visiting Nurse Association Board, YMCA Board and Community Child Care Center Board among others.

Jay is survived by his wife of 31 years Kristine (Hipp), daughters Elizabeth and Kathryn, parents Calvin and Ramona, brother Jerry, sister Nancy (Ken) Van Heuklon, mother-in-law Bette J. Derus, sister-in-law Kathleen (Ken) Schwalbach, brothers-in-law Michael (Kristy) Hipp, Robby Derus and Randy (Lacey) Derus, nieces and nephews, Melissa, Nick, KyLey, MicKayla, Eli and Jaelyn and godchild Marcus Christenson.

A Memorial Mass for Jay will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2015 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St., Little Chute) with Fr. Ron Belitz officiating. Visitation will be held directly at church from 3:00 PM until the time of mass. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established in Jay's name.

Sincere gratitude to the following for their compassion, encouragement, care and support: Bassett Mechanical Family, Fr. Ron Belitz, St. John Nepomucene Parish, ThedaCare Hospice (Bonnie, Claudia, Ellen, Jeanne, Jill, Kit & Paige), AMC Staff, Donna Steinke RN, Pam Christenson RN, Affinity Health System, Dr. William Guenther, Nancy Gudex APNP, Dr. John Swanson, Lee, Leslie, Marlene and the entire staff of Fox Valley Hematology & Oncology, Dr. Doug Meyer and Dr. Glenn Huth.

Upon being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September, 2014, Jay's strength, courage, humor and positive attitude served as a source of inspiration and hope to those around him. The family is humbled and grateful for the support, encouragement and love received and will remain forever thankful to those who remembered Jay in thoughts and prayers. The wonderful memories and stories shared will provide great comfort in the days ahead.