John Stephen Sautter

"Not everyone who lost a life in Vietnam died there…" this could be said for John Stephen Sautter of Lansing, Iowa. John passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, September 8, 2025 at the age of 77. Proud parents, Violet Marie (Gohde) and Fred Martin Sautter, welcomed John into their life on May 10, 1948 in Iowa City, Iowa.

Much of John's life, and the stories he told revolved around his time as a Seabee with the U.S. Navy. John would describe his last memory as an adolescence, before being drafted for war, as playing football in the back yard and then overnight becoming a man in order to survive. John was drafted in 1968 and honorably discharged in 1976 with many decorations and medals, however these he never cared to speak of. Medals from war for John was like carrying a heavy weight that he could never fully unload. This weight would develop into a lifetime of numerous physical health issues. Nurses and doctors throughout the years would tell you about his courageous fight despite the mounting diagnoses. John's will to live and his faith in the Lord would carry him through these tough times.

After returning to Iowa, John married Nancy Woodson and two children were born from this union, Tina and John. Nancy and John would later divorce. John had a strong opinion and moral beacon, also known as the Sautter stubbornness. John is preceded in death by his parents Fred and Violet Sautter as well as his brother Bill Sautter. Surviving John are his children, Tina Sautter and John Sautter, and his two brothers Fred Sautter and Terry Sautter.

John began his career as a machine operator at a young age after realizing school wasn't all it was cracked up to be. In a short while John would be known as someone who, if it had an engine, he could operate it. Being an equipment operator was a passion for John and many employers could testify to his steady hand inside the cab. However, most of John's career would be spent behind a windshield driving semi hauling livestock. Hard work and long hours were not uncommon for John, and he never shirked a task.

John's adventurous soul would lead him on many trips on one of his multiple motorcycles and in his fast cars. In fact, at the age of 77 he still made a visit to the Wisconsin Dells enjoying the water slides and roller coasters. John loved music and it wouldn't be uncommon to walk into his house and see him sitting listening to Elvis. However, John gave Elvis a run for his money. Many friends would say that when John sang, he sounded just like him. It wasn't just his singing voice that was captivating, he had a big smile and an infectious laugh.

"…not everyone who came home from Vietnam ever left there," until now. John's last wish was to remain at his home, that he worked so hard to remodel, with his loyal cat Cuddles and to be called quietly to his ultimate resting place. Finally, a wish granted. May your soul now rest in peace.