Jeffrey Sauter

1953 - 2016

Jeffrey Sauter

Grand Ledge

Jeffrey Lynn Sauter, age 63, of Grand Ledge, passed away May 25, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Jeff was born in Grayling, Michigan on February 23, 1953, the fourth child of Melvin and Julia Sauter. The family moved to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan where Jeff attended high school and then college at Central Michigan University. He was accepted at Thomas M. Cooley Law School, receiving his Juris Doctor, cum laude, in May 1979.

Jeff began his law career with a sole practitioner in Charlotte, Michigan, but quickly moved to the Eaton County Prosecutors Office as an assistant prosecuting attorney. In addition to handling misdemeanor and felony cases, Jeff successfully argued cases in the Michigan Court of Appeals, including a major reversal of a decision that impacted statewide welfare fraud prosecutions. He was also designated as the supervisor of child support enforcement cases. In 1985, he was promoted to Chief Assistant Prosecutor and in addition to prosecuting serious felony trials, he assumed increased responsibility for office administration.

In 1987, Jeff joined the Hubbard Law Firm of Lansing, Michigan focusing on civil litigation and employment law.  On January 1, 1991, the Eaton County Circuit Judges appointed him as Prosecuting Attorney. Jeff was later elected and re-elected to this position without opposition numerous times becoming the longest serving prosecuting attorney in the history of Eaton County from 1991 thru 2013.

Jeff focused intently on improving the services of his office and was proud of his success, effecting new procedures, and integrating technology without increasing the budget.

While serving as Prosecuting Attorney for Eaton County, Jeff's many accomplishments included: creating the Economic Crimes Unit, developing the first paperless Prosecuting Attorney's Office, and establishing Michigan's first sobriety court.  Furthermore, Jeff successfully argued before the Michigan Supreme Court where the Justices reversed the Court of Appeals which had ruled against the prosecution on a conviction.  He served with numerous organizations including: the Board of Directors of the Association of Drug Court Professionals, as a member of the Drug Court Professionals, and the Statewide Drug Treatment Court Advisory Committee,  and he held various positions of leadership within the Prosecutors Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM) including President.

In May 2013, Governor Rick Snyder appointed Jeff to a vacancy in the Eaton County Circuit Court. While handling civil, family, and criminal cases, Jeff was part of a team that established the Eaton County Veterans Treatment Court. He was very proud to be associated with a program that assisted men and women who had volunteered their service to their country.

As both a prosecuting attorney and circuit judge, Jeff was deeply committed to protecting the rights of crime victims. He was twice appointed by the Governor to the Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention Board. He chaired the Eaton County Child Death Review Team and served on the Eaton County Child Abuse Prevention Council. He testified countless times about legislation affecting crime victim's rights and in 2003 was awarded the Crime Victim of the Year Award by the Crime Victim Alliance.

Jeff was passionate about passing on his knowledge and improving trial advocacy. In 2001 he received the Distinguished Faculty Award from the Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM). In 2013, he received PAAM's highest award, the Frank J Kelley Justice award for extraordinary contribution and service to justice in Michigan.

Jeff's extraordinary dedication to the citizens of Eaton County and our State through his professional endeavors was incomparable to his love of his wife, Margo and his family. Jeff was an amazing stepdad and cherished his stepchildren Matt and Kami.   As an enthusiastic grandpa (Boppa), he followed his grandsons in sporting events and band performances. Jeff enjoyed traveling with Margo and good friends, especially to wine country, from California to Italy. He and Margo loved traveling. Although travel was important, he loved being home watching the birds, doing landscape-remodeling projects and entertaining his family and friends.

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, father Melvin (1987) mother, Julia, (2016); and brother, Douglas (1993).  Jeff is survived by Margo (Colby) Sauter, his wife of 31 years; step children, Matthew (Lori), Hutting and Kami (Michael) Andler; grandchildren, Deegan, Dainan, and Caleb; sisters, Linda (Albert) Kaufmann, Melanie Main, Jeanne (Gary) Stranburg, Michele Sauter and Leslie (Tom Armstrong) Sauter; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 3, 2016 at South Church, 5250 Cornerstone Drive, Lansing, with Chaplain Lloyd Scharer officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Friends of Eaton County Veterans Court in memory of the Honorable Jeffrey Sauter, PO Box 80111, Lansing, Michigan 48908.  Contributions may also be made to: Hospice of Mid-Michigan, 1210 W Saginaw Street, Lansing, Michigan 48912.  The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, Lansing Chapel.  Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.grlansing.com.