Dean Sauter
courtesy photo
Dean Sauter
POLSON — Dean August Sauter, age 65, passed away on Jan. 25, 2023. If you listened to local radio, you knew his voice. Dean August got you up in the morning on 750 KERR and stayed with you throughout the day on KIBG The Big 100. He was the program director for the Big 100, creating just the right mix of music and other elements that made the station sound smooth and effortless. He was the same in person as he was on the air: smart, quick-witted, self-deprecating, and always fun to be around.
He started in radio in North Dakota in the late 1970s at KBOM in Mandan and KCJB in Minot before moving to Bismarck in 1983 to begin a 40-year career with Anderson Broadcasting. In 2000 he moved to Polson and spent 23 years as an announcer and program director on Anderson Broadcasting stations.
Dean loved the Flathead Valley and enjoyed golfing, boating on Flathead Lake, and occasionally shooting pool at the VFW. According to his pool buddies, he was far better than he had any right to be considering how sporadically he played. He was an excellent cook and always made extra so he would have plenty to share with his friends.
Dean was born March 3, 1957, to Art and Nyla Sauter in Linton, North Dakota. From his parents he learned to work hard, be kind, and always do the right thing. Those values stayed with him throughout his life. He married Karen Kallestad in 1983. If you can spare a thought for Karen and Dean this year on Oct. 29, raise a glass on what would have been their 40th anniversary.
Dean was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Glenn; and his nephew, Steven Wood.
He is survived by his wife; sister, Janelle Ferderer; nephew, Jace Ferderer and his wife, Cassidy; niece, Stephanie Sauter; niece, Jennifer Urness and her husband, Eric and their daughter,r Rayha.
When Dean was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2022; he worried about the radio stations, his work, his co-workers, and his family. He always thought of the welfare of others before his own. When he became very ill and was hospitalized in January 2023, his requests were simple. He wanted to come home, enjoy the lake view, have a big fire in the fireplace, and be surrounded by family. Thanks to Janelle, Jace and Cassidy for making that possible.
A memorial service will be held upstairs at the VFW in Polson at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18. Friends, family, and everyone who enjoyed listening to him are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Mission Valley Animal Shelter: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/MVAnimalShelter.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
