Richard George Saacke

1931 - 2023

Richard George Saacke

October 31, 1931 - August 20, 2023

Richard (Dick) George Saacke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, mentor, and teacher, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family. He lived a life filled with gratitude and love.

Dick was raised by his parents, Minnie and George Saacke, Newark, NJ, where they instilled in him a strong work ethic, regard for family, and a passion for sports. He graduated from vocational high school, went on to Rutgers University to study animal husbandry, and continued studies at Penn State University.

Dick is survived by the love of his life, Ann Laird Litzelman Saacke, who as "the wind beneath his wings," provided him unwavering support, dedication, and love. Together, they built a family that brought immeasurable joy to their lives: Wendy, Scott, Kris, Ron, and David. He spoke fondly of their accomplishments and especially of the incredible partners they found in Dan, Linda, Joel, Jamie, and Kate. Dick's grandchildren brought him even more joy: Kyle, Evan; Matt, Mike, Alex; Clay and Rebecca, Andy, Nate and Heather; Erin, Jonah; Olivia, Will, and Adam; as did the more recent arrival of his great-grandchildren Violet and Sydney. He cherished his Godson, Christian Leiding, of Germany. Dick's beloved golden retriever, Huck, also survives.

"Mange Takk" (Many Thanks), a phrase discovered by Dick and Ann on epitaphs in Norway became their lifelong mantra. As his time on Earth ended, Dick specifically offered Mange Takk to his Creator, family, friends, students, teachers, mentors, colleagues, doctors, nurses, and in more recent years for the marvelous home health team.

Dick expressed deep gratitude for his vocation as a professor of reproductive physiology at Virginia Tech where he interfaced with outstanding scientists, students and friends throughout the Commonwealth, nation, and the world. His graduate students were the sparks that kept the flame lit in him, and he took great pride in their many achievements. He was grateful for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Department of Dairy Science where he was enabled to teach and research the biology of reproduction in farm animals in a creative, productive, and friendly environment. Dick served in the US Army (Signal Corp) and credited it for many lessons learned, including appreciation for his country and for those who gave their lives in preserving freedoms.

A Celebration of Life will take place September 22, 2023. While Dick loved growing flowers, his invitation was, "If you are inclined to do anything, please give to a charity of your choosing or to someone or something of importance to you. Mange Takk."