Frank J. Sauter, age 65, of Palmyra, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2025 at Waukesha Memorial Hospital surrounded by the love of his family.
Born on June 21, 1960 in Madison, Frank was the cherished son of Richard and Marion (Lute) Sauter. Frank grew up in Palmyra and graduated from Palmyra High School in 1978. On July 25, 1992, he married the love of his life, Dawn Haas, and built a deep union with devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership.
Frank’s life was defined by service, integrity, and heart. From his early days working on the family farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the land. He later served as a police officer for the Village of Palmyra and also for the Village of Sharon, where his calm presence and dedication earned the respect of many. Frank also built a successful career working for AFLAC insurance company for many years, helping others protect what mattered most to them. Whether in uniform, behind a desk, or leading as the Chairman for the Town of Palmyra, Frank’s guiding principle was always the same: to take care of people.
He was a natural leader with a magnetic personality—larger than life, yet deeply grounded in kindness. Frank had a gift for making others feel seen and supported, and he poured that energy into his community, friendships, and above all, his family.
Frank found joy in the simple pleasures and grand adventures of life. He loved traveling to sunny destinations, taking Caribbean cruises, hunting, snowmobiling and atv’ing with family and friends, and enjoying a well- earned Miami Vice cocktail. But his greatest happiness came from being a devoted husband, a proud father, and an adoring grandfather. His laughter, stories, and presence, will echo in the hearts of those who knew him best.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Dawn Sauter of Palmyra: his children Richard (Jessica) Sauter of Jefferson, Lucas (Sadie) Sauter of Palmyra, Jason Rossbach (Jessica Kusch) of Eagle, Jennelle (Tony) Aranda of Whitewater, and Timothy (Maria) Rossbach of Pewaukee. His grandchildren, Rhett, Reese, Audrina, Samantha, Makenzie, Allie, Grey, Antonio and Cruz. He is also remembered fondly by many other relatives and dear friends.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Debby.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s honor made be made to the AFLAC Children’s Cancer Center or to Palmyra United Methodist Church.
Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Palmyra United Methodist Church with Pastor Thomas Alverson officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM and continue until the time of service. Frank will be laid to rest at Hillside Cemetery in Palmyra immediately following the service.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Palmyra & Eagle, WI is serving the family. To share a memory or offer condolences, please visit gibsonfuneral.com
