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Harold Thomas Sauerbrei
1941 - 2012
Harold Thomas Sauerbrei
1941 - 2012
Obituary
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Harold Sauerbrei Obituary
Tom grew up in Strongsville, Oh. He attended Western Reserve Academy and graduated from Strongsville High School in 1959. Being a strong believer in higher education, he received a MBA in marketing at the University of Chicago, a Bacheolor of Science in Electrical Engineering at Case Institute of Technology and a Bachelor in Arts in Physics at Miami University of Ohio.
In 1970, Tom moved to Fresno, Ca. to work with Valley Decorating as Vice President of Marketing and Development. He continued to grow with the company and became the President in 1982. He worked with Valley Decorating for 17 years. Recognizing the need for a greater variety of outdoor commercial décor he established Sierra Display, Inc. in 1987. Many of his peers recognize him as a legend in the industry.
Tom truly enjoyed the outdoors and became involved with several competitive sports. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren and included them in his activities whenever possible. He took pride in each and every one of his family.
He leaves behind Barbara, his wife and the love of his life of 30 years; his children, Sharon Noland and her husband Robert, Tom Sauerbrei and his wife Trisha, Karren Marshall and her husband Steven, Jennifer Schmidt and her husband Dave, Blanca Sauerbrei and Bradley Sauerbrei; grandchildren, Camber, Rebecca, Robert, Sam, Abigail, Casper, Blake, Austin and Ryan; and his great-grandchildren Haylie, Grace, and Bristol.
Special thanks and recognition is extended to Dr. Greg Copeland and Nancy Hinds Hospice for their care and compassion during his final days.
A Memorial Service will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair, 1525 E. Saginaw Way, on Friday, September 7, 2012, at 11:00 a.m.
Remembrances may be made to Nancy Hinds Hospice; or Valley Childrens Hospital in lieu of flowers.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Blanca Sauerbrei
September 18, 2012
Dad,
Not a moment goes by that you are not in my thoughts. I miss you every moment of everyday. You were my rock when I needed grounding. Always had the right things to say even if I didn't believe it at that moment. I could never ask for a better father then you, you were the best! You left a legacy dad and we are all so proud to be Sauerbrei's. You are an inspiration to me and the boys. You are with us all everyday in our hearts and in our thoughts. The countless memories we all share with you are priceless and will never be forgotten. I promised you two things and I will make you proud. Till we see each other again... I love you always and forever.
Blake Sauerbrei
September 17, 2012
Papa,
Casper and I really miss you a lot, and it just isn't the same without you. I always think about the great memories we shared and how you were always wanting us to try new sports and most importantly get good grades. I know that your with all of us wherever we go and I know that your watching our football games cheering for us. Most importantly you left us peacefully and in no pain, and that's all that matters in the end. I love you papa so much, you inspired me, and i'll never forget that.
Rebecca Noland
September 15, 2012
Grandpa
You will be truely missed! It isn't the same with out you. I'll always remember your big kisses and the memories we had! Thanks for bringing the family back together to celebrate your life. We will take care of Grandma for you..I love you with all my heart.
Jeff Lopez
September 14, 2012
Dear Barbara and family, I just heard of Tom's passing. My prayers and thoughts are with you and all of Tom's family. Tom was a great inspiration, and mentor to me when I first entered the Commercial Holiday industry. He answered all my rookie questions, with the thoughtfulness of a teacher and the guidance of a dear Uncle. He will be forever in my heart and deeply missed.
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Claudette hayes
September 6, 2012
My Condolences to Barbara and family, I have been Toms hairstylist for 15 years.Tom was a amazing man, full of life and so much Love for his family!!! He truly new how to live. I always look forward to Tom coming in for his hair cuts. He always made me laugh. Never a dull moment when he was around.He always had a way of making people smile. Tom I will miss all the wonderful stories of you and your family,friends and loving wife Barbara. Love Claudette
September 6, 2012
Dear Barbara and family,
Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Tom was a wonderful friend and will be greatly missed.
Tony and Linda Dangerfield
September 6, 2012
Barbara,
We were saddened to just receive your letter informing us of Tom's passing.
We had worked with him for years at the City of Concord and always appreciated all he did for us as well as his great sense of humor!!
Florence Weiss, Mark Haselfeld, John Montagh, Leslye Asera
Charlie and Michelle Ferchau
September 6, 2012
Dear Barbara and Sauerbrei Family,
Tom has certainly made an impact in so many lives here on this earth. Whether it was developing a friendship or building a business you always had a sense that he cared about you as a person. He never required something of someone that he would not expect of himself. Some would say that Tom expected perfection, but I believe it was merely a striving for excellence that
mattered. Tom was man enough to admit he was not perfect. He often laughed at his short comings (and mine)
Tom knew that he fell short of the glory of God, and discovered that he could be made perfect in Christ Jesus. Michelle and I are so blessed to know that in the end of it all, Tom made peace with God! He is now in perfect peace because he who has the Son has eternal life. Eternal life is knowing the Father. He has been bought with a price, the blood of Jesus Christ... the Father loves him that much! Michelle and I look forward to seeing him again one day. That will be a very special day.
We pray God's blessings on your entire family. As you draw near to Him, He will draw near to you.
We love you,
Michelle and Charlie Ferchau
September 4, 2012
Tom lived life in the most honorable and respectable way possible. He could have written a book on how to be a man, and he probably did but would never brag about it. He was more like John Wayne than anybody else I've ever met. I will take many memories of him with me. But what makes me smile is all of the funny sayings he had that were usually not politically correct but when myself or my friend JR repeat them we laugh outloud every time.....He will be rememberd as a great man.
Eric peterson
September 2, 2012
Dearest Barbara, Tom was my very first Rep. without his and your support and mentoring my business would not have grown as quickly as it did. Michael and I made friends with you both and that friendship lasted. Sadly now our two best pals and loves are gone - way too early. But hopefully they are plotting something together. All my love, Diana Aurigemma (Seattle,WA)
Hoot Mann
August 29, 2012
Barb:
I was so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. He was a great man and friend to all. The advise that he passed along to me was welcomed then and will be forever remembered. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during the difficult and trying time. Tom will most certainly be both missed and remembered!
You're in our prayers,
August 23, 2012
Barbara -
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this very difficult period. Tom lived life to the fullest and we will remember him that way.
Our prayers,
Tyler & Kelly
Judith Cagle
August 20, 2012
Tom had such an impact on my life. He took a real leap of faith hiring a 23-year-old as his "executive secretary" in 1980. I remember him telling me, "Don't expect me to tell you when you are doing things right. I EXPECT you to do things right. I'll tell you if you're doing something wrong. If I don't say anything ... you're doing things right." That is what I admired about Tom, he always expected you to be at your best, because he gave his best. My sincerest sympathies to his family and friends.
John Brandano
August 13, 2012
Barbara,
I just recieved notice of Tom's death and want to offer my sympathy and support as you deal with his passing.
Tom will be missed by his friends, he was so real to all of us.
My thoughts are with you and family.
Russ Milstein
August 13, 2012
Barbara,
We are all so very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Russ Milstein and the staff at Crystal Valley
Roger Harrington
August 13, 2012
Barbara and family:
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. Loretta and I are thinking of you during this most difficult time.
Roger & Loretta Harrington
Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Chapel
August 7, 2012
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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