Eugene E. Sauer

Eugene E. Sauer

July 22, 1931     March 20, 2020

     Eugene E. Sauer, 88, Altoona, formerly of Martinsburg, passed away Friday, March 20, 2020 at Elmcroft of Altoona, Duncansville.

     He was born in Port Washington, WI, son of the late Arno and Margaret (Enders) Sauer.  On January 28, 1964, he married Mary Alice Smith in Washington, DC, and she preceded him in death on May 26, 2016.

     Surviving are: a brother-in-law, John F. Knepp of rural Martinsburg;  a sister-in-law, Nancy M. Miller of Woodbury; and many nieces and nephews.

     Eugene was a 1949 graduate of Rufus King High School in Milwaukee, WI, and in January 1953, attained a Bachelor of Music degree from Rizzo School of Music in Chicago, IL.

     He entered the U.S. Navy in February 1953, and was assigned as a Theory and Keyboard instructor at the Navy School of Music in Washington, DC.  In 1956, he transferred to the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, DC, as an arranger and keyboard player.  In the course of his duties, he performed in the White House, State Department, Pentagon, and other government buildings in the Washington area for Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson; and many other dignitaries and Heads of State.  Eugene wrote arrangements for the Concert Band, Orchestra, Sea Chanters, and other special units.  He attained the rank of Master Chief Musician (E9) in 1967, and retired on June 1, 1972.

     After retirement from the U.S. Navy, he worked at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, as Assistant Manager of the Concert Hall.   Gene officially ended his working career in February of 2001 when he retired from Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL.

     He was of the Lutheran faith, and previously attended Curryville Church of the Brethren with his wife, who was a member of the church.. Eugene was a member of Woodbury Lodge #539 F&AM, Roaring Spring and also Jaffa Shrine, Altoona since 1977.

     A private funeral service and interment at Alto Reste Park Cemetery, Altoona will be held at the convenience of the family.   A memorial service to celebrate Gene's life will be held at a later date.

     Memorial contributions in memory of Eugene can be given to Camp Blue Diamond, P.O. Box 240, 4013 Blue Diamond Dr., Petersburg, PA 16669.

     Arrangements are by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., Martinsburg.

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