John E. Sauter

John E. Sauter, 71, passed away peacefully at home on October 25, 2026. He was the beloved husband of Janis, whom he married on December 20, 1996. Side by side, John and Janis created a space where their family could grow and flourish. They poured their time and hearts into their grandchildren, filling the stands at sports and activities and hosting intentional overnights they will always treasure. In the last years of John’s life, when he needed her most, Janis loved and cared for him with unwavering devotion. John is survived by his wife Janis and his three stepsons, Shanon, Jason and Tony and nine grandchildren. Shanon and his wife, Shauna Barnhart, with their children Kenna and Caden of Rolling Prairie, IN; Jason and his wife Jenny Barnhart, with their children Gavin, Landon, Wesley, Cora, and Avery of Rolling Prairie, IN; and Tony and his wife Leah Barnhart, with their children Lyla and Vivian of Carmel, IN. John is also survived by his two older brothers, Charlie and his wife Barb Sauter of Bremen, IN, with their children, John’s niece Erin and nephew Michael; and brother Bill Sauter of New Carlisle, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gretchen Sauter. Professionally, John was a chemist and engineer who worked in the aerospace industry with Bendix/Honeywell. A true jack of all trades, John had knowledge and skills that ran deep in every field, evident in the way he fixed, created, and re-engineered all things mechanical and electrical. While John was a wealth of knowledge, his greatest influence came through his roles as husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His heart was big for his family and friends, and he loved creating unforgettable memories for them, from summer pool days that evolved and grew each year to the Christmas season, when he spread joy to all with dazzling light displays outside, decorations he and Janis spread throughout the house, and Christmas movies playing on constant repeat. John’s ripple of influence was more like a tidal wave, reaching and touching even strangers in line at the grocery store. His laughter and intentionality were contagious. John often served from behind the scenes, quietly generous and preferring to remain anonymous; if he saw a need, he found a way to help. Though known for his loud laughter and mischievous ways, he also had a quiet, helpful heart that brought joy and solutions to others, whether he was fixing a computer, a car, or something broken around the house. He was a patient listener for those learning to navigate life; he never judged and always knew when to offer advice or let you figure it out. He proudly carried the titles of husband, father, and grandfather, while also wearing the badges of mentor, teacher, Mr. Fix-It, and comedian. His grandchildren described him as thoughtful, cheerful, funny, loving, big-hearted, deeply caring, buoyant, incredible, hopeful, imaginative, joyful, intentional, indomitable, brilliant in so many ways, blessed with a great sense of humor, and simply a “darn” good man. His loss is profound, but his life’s impact lives on through the many people he touched. Honoring his wishes, the family will celebrate his life quietly with a private graveside service at a later date. In place of a viewing or public service, please share your stories of John by email to johnsauter.story@outlook.com; they will be gathered into a book of memories for Janis to treasure and revisit often, so they are never forgotten. John had a great love for animals; in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his memory to Pet Refuge at https://www.petrefuge.com/donate (please reference the Pet Refuge Cattery) or to the Independent Cat Society at https://catsociety.org/donate.html.