Joseph "Joe" Harold Sauder

Joe Sauder, age 87, of Chappell, passed away in Sidney, NE on Monday, January 1, 2024. Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell, NE with Pastor Neil Carlson officiating. Cremation has been held. Inurnment will follow at the Chappell Cemetery. Services will be livestreamed on the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel Facebook page and recorded for later viewing on our website.

Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Friday, January 5th from 1-6:00 P.M. to leave condolences for the family. Memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church of Chappell, Orphan Grain Train or Lutheran Hour. You may view Joe's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Joe's care and funeral arrangements.

Joseph "Joe" Harold Sauder, the youngest of 8 sons, was born August 24, 1936, on a farm North of Lodgepole, NE to Michael and Mabel (Holtmann) Sauder. He was baptized as an infant and confirmed in the Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell, NE. At the age of 4 years, he moved with his parents and seven brothers to a farm Northeast of Chappell where he resided for 83 years.

He attended a country school near the farm until 6th grade when he went to Chappell Elementary and graduated from Chappell High in 1954. While in high school he was very involved with FFA and received the State Farmer Degree. Due to his asthma, he was unable to serve his country in the military like several of his brothers. After his father became ill and died at age 60, Joe's love of farming and raising livestock led him to take over the farm, which he enjoyed for 64 years.

Joe met the love of his life, Charlene, on a blind date and they were married in Zion Lutheran Church at Plainview, NE on November 19th , 1961. To this union two beautiful children were born – son Rodger Allen, and a daughter Theresa Diane. He was a devout Christian and was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Chappell, where he held many offices. He also served on the Farmer's Elevator Board, the local school board, and was a 4-H Leader in the community.

The love of music was a great gift in Joe's life, and in 1967 the "Sauder Trio" was organized with Charlene and his brother Dick. They enjoyed singing together for many years at numerous funerals and other occasions.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Mike and Mabel Sauder; in-laws, Ed and Alva Rafert; brothers Jack Sauder, Larry Sauder, Bill Sauder, Dan Sauder and Roy Sauder; great-grandson Colton Faessler; and sisters-in-law Veva, Donna, Wynona, Marcine, and Anna May Sauder.

Joe will be missed by his loving wife Charlene of 62 years; son Rodger and wife Betty Sauder of Sidney, NE; daughter Theresa and husband Rob Temple of Omaha, NE; grandchildren Brigette and husband Josh Engel of Lincoln, NE; Kelly Faessler and Chris Sauder both of Sidney, NE; Josh and wife Meera Temple of Brooklyn, NY; Jonathan and wife Alyssa Temple of Wylie, TX; Jessica and husband Elijah Fowler of Everett, WA; 11 great grandchildren; two brothers, Dick Sauder of Pine Island, MN, Fred and wife Janice Sauder of Eau Claire, WI; sister-in-law Nancy Sauder of Julesburg, CO; brother-in-law Lyle and wife Alvetta Rafert of Plainview, NE, as well as nieces, nephews and friends.