Jack Sauser

The family of Leonard “Jack” Sauser is deeply saddened to announce his passing. Jack was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Jack was born on January 22, 1935, on the family homestead southwest of Churchbridge to Lawrence and Elizabeth (née Reles) Sauser. He was the second of five children. He was baptized and received all his Sacraments in the Catholic faith (his faith remained a strong pillar of his values throughout his life).  Jack attended Liscard School, where he made many friends and created memories he cherished and often shared with his family.

As a young man, Jack enjoyed playing baseball, especially as a back catcher - an interest that became a lifelong passion. At an early age, he began farming full-time alongside his father and brother. Together, they ran a mixed cattle and grain operation and maintained a small herd of dairy cattle. In his early years, Jack also took on off-farm jobs, including working with Frank Suwala on telephone lines, and later operated his own wood delivery business, serving customers as far away as Esterhazy.

Jack’s life changed when he met a young nurse named Kristin Markusson. During their courtship, the two were regulars at small-town dances - Jack never missed a chance to dance with Kristin. They married on July 24, 1963, and settled on the family farm. Soon after, they were blessed with four children: Louise, Ken, Sheldon, and Sharon.

Many happy years followed, filled with camping trips, visits to Las Vegas, trapshooting events, snowmobiling, and family hunting trips. Hunting was always a family affair, shared with his father, uncles, brother, brothers-in-law, nephews, sons, and later, grandsons.

Jack was an active member of his community, serving on several boards including the church board, school board, and wildlife federation. He also served many years as president of the Churchbridge Gun Club. An avid and accomplished trapshooter, one of his proudest moments was winning gold at the 1976 Saskatchewan Summer Games, along with numerous other awards throughout his lifetime.

Jack was a true handyman who could fix just about anything. He was mechanically inclined and always willing to lend a hand or share advice. He also had an incredible memory and loved local history, often recalling facts and stories long forgotten by others. His sharp mind and storytelling brought the past to life for those around him.

In 1993, Jack embraced a new and joyful role with the arrival of his first grandchild - followed quickly by eight more. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. Jack was often found in the shop or garage with his grandsons, tinkering, teaching them how to fix things, and sharing his knowledge. He loved sharing suppers in the field, cheering at their sporting events, going on yearly camping trips, watching a Blue Jay game, going for ice cream and listening to their adventures of their lives. Christmas gatherings were especially dear to him, full of laughter and family chaos.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law, Gisli and Elin Markusson; siblings Marion (Maurice) Van Caeseele, Lucille (Francis) DeCorby, Francis (Tony) (Mae) Sauser, Margaret (Don) MacIver; brother-in-law Joe Markusson; sister-in-law Margaret (Don) Maclver; and nephew and godson Kevin Mark.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Kristin; children Louise (Dan) Dorrance, Ken (MaryAnn) Sauser, Sheldon (Tamara) Sauser, and Sharon (Allan) Needham; grandchildren Elizabeth (fiancé Jayden) Dorrance, Josh Dorrance, Nicholas Sauser, Travis Sauser, Mitchell (partner Emma) Sauser, Kaitlyn Sauser, Bryce Sauser, Jill (fiancé Trent) Needham, and Sam Needham; sister Angella (Willie) Mark; sister-in-law Muriel Markusson; and many nieces and nephews.

A kinder man never lived. Jack will be deeply missed and fondly remembered for his love of family, faith, and farming - a legacy that will live on in all who knew him.

The funeral mass will be celebrated for Jack on Thursday, October 30 at 11:00 am from St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church in Churchbridge.  

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