Peter Sautner

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 18, 2010 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gettysburg with Fr. Jerry Kopel officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery with military honors. Visitation was held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Monday, May 17, 2010  with a 7:00 p.m. prayer service at the church.

Peter Paul Sautner was born June 9, 1921 in Bowdle, SD to Joseph and Mary (Wentz) Sautner. They resided on a farmstead in Hoven, SD until they moved to Gettysburg. He grew up there helping on the farm.

At age 21 he volunteered to join the Army to fight in WWII. He was inducted on July 2, 1942 and entered into active service on July 15, 1942 at Ft. Snelling, MN. From there he went to San Antonio, TX from December 1942 to June 1943. He then moved onto the Mohave Desert, by train, on maneuvers from October 1943 to February 1944. He went to Indiantown Gap, PN where Barbara Soloman joined him, and they were married on July 8, 1944. Shortly after that, Barbara returned to Gettysburg, SD. From there they went to Boston, MD where he boarded a ship to Liverpool, England on August 14th. He was with company G378th the 95th infantry division as a Technician Sergeant. He prepared to land on Omaha Beach on July 6, 1944. He later found out that his brother Chris was also at Normandy Beach. This was also the fall of Saint Lo, the only thing left standing was a smoke stack. Peter had been injured with shrapnel in his head and chest. His captain pulled it out of his chest and wanted to send him back for medical attention. Peter said, “I came here to fight and I am going to finish what I started.” Peter headed for Europe in August 1944 arriving there seven days later. They did additional training, then moved to France on September 15. In October they went into combat at the Moselle River Bridgehead sector east of Moselle and south of Metz. They fought hard and took over the city on November 22, 1944. Later the 95th infantry became known for fighting back the fierce German counterattacks and earned the nickname, “Iron Men of Metz” for having liberated the town. Lieutenant General George S. Patten later gave Peter a signed commendation for this on April 16, 1945. Then they went into Saar on November 28. They took over the city on December 19, 1944. When the Battle of the Bulge started, they were sent to fight. This is where Peter met Lieutenant General George S. Patten and Dwight D. Eisenhower who had come to the front of the lines to see how the soldiers were doing. After they had succeeded, they sailed back to the United States where Peter was discharged from the service on November 2, 1945. He received the Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Unit Badge, EAME Theater Ribbon, three bronze service stars, American Theater Ribbon and the commendation from Patten.

Peter returned home where he farmed and raised his family. In 1952 they moved into Gettysburg where he worked at the sale barn for eight years and stayed out in a line shack for the winter caring for cattle. He then went on to work for the City of Gettysburg for 13 years and Potter County for 21 years as a maintenance worker.

Peter spent many years being a cowboy. During this time he participated in roping with his son Rick, Peter the heeler and Rick the header. He also doctored a lot of horses for people in the area. With his sons, Jerry and Rick and brother Joe, they had horses stabled together and spent a lot of time out there. Jeanelle enjoyed spending time there also. Peter also belonged to the Gettysburg Roping Club and Gettysburg Range Riders where he loved spending time. He made many friends and treasured their friendship. Deer hunting, fishing and gardening were also some things that Peter enjoyed doing with his sons Larry and Rick and his grandchildren. In April 2009 they moved to Pierre.

Peter is survived by his four children, Larry Sautner and Fran of Mitchell, Jerry (Cheryl) Sautner of Gettysburg, Richard (Jody) Sautner of Pierre and Jeanelle (Jeff) Schaefer of Hoven; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers, Chris Sautner of Gillette, WY and Joe Sautner of Pierre; and one sister, Stella Hyuck of Lansing, MI.

Peter is preceded in death by his parents; his spouse, Barbara on May 6, 2010; and his daughter, Sharie.

Luce Funeral Home of Gettysburg has been entrusted with Peter's arrangements.

CLERGY
Father Jerry Kopel

CASKETBEARERS
Robert Sautner
Don Hericks
Dale Nauman
Joe Weinert
Sam Goebel
Jerry Goebel

USHERS
Dale Goebel
Walter Anderson

MUSICIANS
Judy Robbennolt
Sacred Heart Choir

MUSIC SELECTIONS
"Amazing Grace"
"Old Rugged Cross"
"On Eagle's Wings"
"Song of Farewell"
"Battle Hymn of the Republic"

INTERMENT
Sacred Heart Cemetery
Gettysburg, South Dakota
With Full Military Honors