John Sausen

John Anthony Sausen, age 81, passed away in his sleep after a long battle with heart disease, on October 31st, 2022.

Born January 2nd, 1941 in Los Angeles, California. John grew up in Wyoming, Minnesota, it was there his love for the outdoors began as he started working on the family farm at 6 years of age where he continued to work until he was an adult. Shortly after he turned 18, John got a job with Capitol Airlines, this company later merged into United Airlines. He then relocated to Chicago for his job with Capitol Airlines shortly after starting with the company. After moving to Chicago, John would visit family and friends in Minnesota. This was where he was introduced to his future wife Patricia. John and Patricia remained friends and then later dated for four years. During their courtship, John was drafted into the U.S. Army and was deployed to Korea. During his service in the military, John was awarded a sharpshooter medal for his skill with an M-1. After his service with the U.S. Army was completed, John resumed his career with United Airlines. John and Patricia were married on October 23rd, 1965, shortly after his return from Korea. Three days later they moved to Denver, Colorado, he remained there for the rest of his days. His career with United Airlines also continued in Denver, Colorado. John worked as a flight and load operations specialist for 40 years. During his entire career with United Airlines, John only took two or three sick days. He then retired in 1999. Even in retirement John continued to work at various jobs. During his lifetime, John was a devout child of God, and a member of the Methodist Church, his faith and principles guiding his life.

John and Patricia had just celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary on October 23rd, having known each other for a total of 63 years. John was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, an amazing gardener, and a skilled woodworker. John was a man of upstanding character, a man whose principles guided his life, a man that inspired others by his ability to both walk the walk and talk the talk. John was a man of integrity, honesty, and grit. He was the first person to lend a helping hand or word of advice. John was loved by all who knew him, especially his family and friends. The way he lived, his faith, and his honor shined bright during his time on earth. He will be missed greatly by us who remain, and his memory will live on in our hearts, while he waits for us at the gates of Heaven.

John is survived by his wife Patricia J. Sausen of Aurora, Colorado. Survived by his children Barbara J. Sims (and spouse Mark Reppy) of Julesburg, Colorado, Rebecca A. Sausen (and fiancé William S. Torbet) of Aurora, Colorado, and John M. Sausen (and spouse Andrea Sausen) of Springfield, Missouri. Survived by his grandchildren Kassey Abeyta (and spouse Josh Becker) of Roswell, New Mexico. Zackari Abeyta of Aurora, Colorado. Jessica Nelson (and spouse Brad Nelson) of Aurora Colorado. Nathaniel VanNostrand of Littleton, Colorado. Carissa Vitello. Brandi Sims (and fiancé Zachary Schmidt) of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and Jacob Sausen of Springfield, Missouri. Survived also by his great grandchildren Lincoln Vitello, Theodore Nelson of Aurora, Colorado and Brielle Nelson of Aurora, Colorado. Survived by his brothers, Joe Sausen (and spouse Geri Sausen) of North Branch, Minnesota and Tom Sausen (and spouse Bernie Sausen) of Wyoming, Minnesota. John was preceded in death by his parents Myrtle and Merill Sausen.  John was also preceded by his grandchildren Michael A. Sausen, Meghan L. VanNostrand, and Kristina R. Sausen.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00am-12:00pm on December 2nd, 2022 at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church. 19491 E Smoky Hill Rd, Centennial, CO 80015. Followed by Reception  from 12:00pm-1:00pm at Smoky Hill United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at 2:00pm December 2nd, 2022. At Fort Logan National Cemetery. 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, CO 80236. Relatives and friends are welcome.

Memorial contributions are welcome at Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Barbara Davis Foundation. Mailing Address Children’s Diabetes Foundation Dept # 880505 P.O. Box 29650 Phoenix, Arizona. 85038-9650. Online or ACH payments can be sent to Daphne@childrensdiabetesfoundation.org

Website https://www.childrensdiabetesfoundation.org/donate/