ELLINWOOD — James Sylvester Sauber, 95, passed away at Reflections Retirement Resort in Salina, Kan. on Sept. 1st, 2024. Born on July 5th, 1929 in Great Bend, Kan. to parents Peter Matt and Frances (Hoffman) Sauber. 

A lifetime Rice and Barton County resident James graduated from Ellinwood High School in 1948 later marrying Marilyn Jean Ewy on July 16th, 1953 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ellinwood. James worked in HVAC and plumbing for all of his working years in addition served in the National Guard for six years and Ellinwood Fire Department for 11 years. 

Memberships include St. Joseph Catholic Church, Arkansas River Muzzleloaders, Kansas Trappers Associations and Ellinwood Historical Society. James was an avid outdoorsman where he hunted birds, deer, and elk and also trapped bobcats. James cut firewood and even built a log cabin on the Arkansas River in addition to updating the home many times. Later in life he enjoyed going to estate sales and auctions to collect antiques.

Survivors include wife of over 71 years Marilyn (Ewy) Sauber; children, Michael (Diane) Sauber, Julie (Greg) Stephens, Robert (Christine) Sauber, Jackie (Bill) Klapper, Elaine (Ken) Martin, Andrew (Patty) Sauber, Keith Sauber; 17 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; sister in law, Bettie Sauber and many nieces and nephews. James was preceded in death by siblings, Margaret Huslig, Lawrence Sauber, Ambrose Sauber, Emanuel Sauber; and daughter-in-law Janet Sauber.

Funeral Mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Ellinwood, Saturday, Sept. 7th at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Terrance Klein officiating. Burial will follow at Lakin-Comanche Cemetery in Ellinwood, Kan. Visitation will take place at Minnis Chapel on Friday, Sept. 6th from 1-5 p.m. and family will receive friends at St. Joseph Catholic Church from 5-7 p.m. prior to the parish Rosary/Vigil beginning at 7 p.m. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School Endowment, Ellinwood Fire Dept. Fra., Ellinwood Commission on Aging Bus Service in care of Minnis Chapel, PO Box 246, Ellinwood, KS 67526.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Minnis Chapel

P.O. Box 246

Ellinwood, KS 67526

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Sept. 5, 2024