A memorial service for James E. Sautner, Wishek, ND will be held at a later date at the North Dakota Veteran's Cemetery, Mandan, ND.

James E. Sautner was born April 11, 1925 at Dodge, ND to John Nicholas and Lydia Ann (Stuber) Sautner. He was the oldest of three children, his sister, Deloris Eleanor, born in 1927 and his brother, Eugene John, born in 1928. On November 14, 1942, at the age of 17, Jim enlisted in the Navy, with his dad's blessing (only after much discussion). Jim was very proud of his service in World War ll and shared many stories with all of us over the years. He was a baker aboard the LST355 and was released from the service on January, 30, 1946. Jim was excellent at working on cars and fixing body damage for over 46 years, working at Martel Chevrolet and Chase Chevrolet in Mandan and then going on his own at Berg's Towing in Mandan until his retirement. Jim married Dorothy H. Welch October 6, 1951 and they had two children, Joseph James (1952) and Mary Ann (1957). Both babies died the same day they were born. Jim adopted Dorothy's daughter, Betty in 1963. A "Great Man" who will be missed by all who knew him!

Jim died Monday, November 18, 2013 at the Wishek Living Center, Wishek, ND. He was 88 years old.


Jim is survived by his daughter, Betty and her husband, Dave (his best buddy) Halvorson, Wishek, ND; granddaughter, Crystal (Dominic) Dahl-Bredline, Silver City, NM; great-grandson, Taven Sky, Silver City, NM, his half- sister, Lois Benthagen, Lake Havasu City, AZ; his half-brother, Don Little, International Falls, MN; nieces and nephews, Craig, Kim, Kris, Kyle, Chad, Don, Dirk, Dana, Helen, Ken, Nancy, Barb, Jamie, Mary Beth, Jeff, Connie and Kathy. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and sister. Share memories and sign online guestbook at www.dahlstromfuneralservice.com. Dahlstrom Funeral Home of Wishek, ND entrusted with arrangements.