Jacob "Jake" Sauter Jr.

Jacob Sauter, Jr., 75, of Billings, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on Sept. 17, 2009.

Jake was born on Nov. 4, 1933, to Jacob and Christina Sauter on Hesper Road in Billings. Jake was raised in Billings along with 11 siblings. He joined the Naval Reserve at a very young age, then worked for the City of Billings Sanitation Dept. and as a roofer at Empire Heating & Cooling. Jake started his own roofing company, Montana Roofing, in 1969 and was self-employed for 30 years.

Jake married the love of his life, Patricia Sauter, on Dec. 29, 1956. They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2006. Together they were blessed with eight children: Christine Synek, Kevin Sauter (Jill), Deborah Porter (Todd), Cameron Sauter (Angie), Lisa Joki (Owen), Jeanette Sauter (William Murray), Nathan Sauter (Dawn), Joel Sauter (Patricia). Jake was the proud grandfather of 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jake's favorite hobby was to "tinker." He loved to find a "good deal" to fix up and sell. His favorite things to buy were cars and trucks, but he often found lawn mowers and snow blowers that he just couldn't pass up. He enjoyed his morning coffee and conversation with friends and waitresses at the Kit Kat Café. When the café closed, the new coffee hangout became the Muzzle Loader Café.

Jake enjoyed many wonderful friendships in his Heights and West End neighborhoods. His close friends were the Wandler brothers, Earl and Clarence, along with their wives. Jake has also enjoyed a special companionship with his loyal dog, Sandy.

Jake is preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; grandson, Robert Sauter; his parents and all of his siblings, Bertha, Ted, Albert, John, Gladys, Esther, Lillian, Frieda, Mary, Betty and Earl.

The family would like extend their appreciation to the staff at Rocky Mountain Hospice for making his final days comfortable and dignified.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made in Jake's name to: Rocky Mountain Hospice or Help For Homeless Pets.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20. Funeral services will be held at Smith Funeral Chapel located at 925 S. 27th St. in Billings on Monday, Sept. 21, at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Mountview Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Smith Funeral Chapel.