With great sadness we share the passing of Richard A. “Rich” Sautter on Saturday April 22, 2023 at the James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute in Columbus after a courageous 7.5-year fight with multiple myeloma cancer.
Rich recently celebrated his 76th birthday, being born March 16, 1947 to Edward C. and Helen (Wright) Sautter and being raised on “South Street” which turns into County Road 40 Galion.
Hard work and ethics were installed at an early age. His father farmed him out for about $1.00 per hour; mowing and rolling neighbor’s lawns and helping neighbors with their farm work. Richard’s father bought a brand new 1966 International Model 47 baler for custom baling business. Over a million square bales have gone through this baler. Rich was always on the wagon stacking. One year baling on the “Chamber’s Farm” on St Rte. 288, his sister Darlene was driving the tractor and when she pushed the clutch in, Rich went in the air flying over the baler.
Rich graduated from Galion High School in 1966. As a varsity football player (#77 defensive tackle), he was coached by Jim Gruden. If there is one person that molded him to be tough when you couldn’t be anything else, along with “farm strong,” it was Coach Gruden. Coach Gruden went on to be a scout for the NFL and Rich was so proud when Coach Gruden’s son (Jon “Cubby” Gruden former NFL Coach/ESPN analyst) presented Rich a “Raiders” hat. Rich wore this hat to every treatment and medical appointment. The day before Rich’s passing, he was walking laps in the hospital hallway with one of OSU’s RN’s. Rich told him “Come on, I’m ready to move out just like I did in football.” Rich had the RN sweating. Rich was so proud of his son Tyson playing college football and high school football. Rich was always ready to drive all night to see his son play for Iowa and Minnesota and he wracked up more yardage than the quarterback running up and down the sidelines making sure things were going right.
Rich retired from the Timken Roller Bearing Company Bucyrus, Ohio, just two months shy of 35 years. Rich’s shop nickname was “Hoss.” He enjoyed meeting up with fellow retiree’s as he was able. After retiring from Timken, he spent time on his farm and was able to attend cattle shows with his daughter Kelly and granddaughter Taylor. Many fun memories of displaying cattle at the Farm Science Review, showing cattle at the Ohio State Fair, National Shows, and the Crawford County Fair (camping and all of the shenanigans up on “Boot Hill” with many cherished friends).
Rich loved his family, ice cream, watching Fox News, talking about politics, guns, being part of the 2020 MAGA movement, his dog “Sparky,” and his cat “Coco.” His favorite hobbies were going to auctions, going to his woods, feeding his birds and taking care of his garden. He was especially proud of teaching and giving daily advice to grandson Tucker.
A member of the NRA, Ohio Gun Collectors, Morrow County Farm Bureau, and Galion Moose Lodge #303. Former member of the Ohio Cattleman’s Association, Crawford and Morrow County Cattleman’s and the Ohio Simmental Association. Member of Peace Lutheran Church.
Strong, hardworking, but most importantly selfless. He always put others before himself.
He is survived by his wife and the best caregiver anyone could have had, Sandra (Toot) Sautter who he married October 26, 1968; his two children, Kelly Sautter Tennant (Dave Lehman) Galion, Tyson (Theresa) Sautter, Galion; Grandson Tucker Sautter, Granddaughter Taylor Clayton, his sister Darlene (Dan) Foos, Richwood; brother Terry (Emma) Sautter, Galion; sister-in-law Kathryn Sautter, Tiro; and many nieces, nephews and cousins; many cherished friends and many favorite medical providers.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert “Butch” Sautter; brother-in-law Eldon Rafferty.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Rich can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Firefighter Stairclimb. To make a donation online you can visit a secure site with the LLS at: llswa.org/goto/richsautter or for those wishing to donate by check, it should be made out to: LLS Firefighter Stairclimb. In the memo note, please write “In memory of Rich Sautter.”
Rich was so honored that Jason Bostic, firefighter and LLS ambassador for the Midwest states and International Firefighters carries his name on his hat every time he climbs 69 flights on fundraising missions to help find cures for blood cancers.
Graveside services to honor and celebrate Rich’s life will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at Iberia Cemetery, officiated by Pastor Joe Stafford of Wesleyan Chapel, Galion. A Celebration of Life gathering and meal will follow at Cramer Hall in Iberia.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Rich’s family. Special memories or condolences may be shared by visiting SnyderFuneralHomes.com.