Orville Sauder

Orville Louis Sauder passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, at the age of 95, to go to his home in heaven. Orv was born on January 16, 1929, in Pekin, Illinois, to Louis and Ida Sauder.

“We love because Christ first loved us” 1 John 4:19

Orv dedicated his life to selflessly serving others, He married Betty Lisanby on December 24, 1961 at Glendale Church in East Peoria, IL where he served as lay minister for 10 years.  He then served as a minister for 40 years at Twelve Oaks Community Church in Peoria, and currently has been an active member of Northfield Christian Fellowship in Tremont, Illinois for the past 14 years.  His faithful love of God and his family was evident to those who met him. Orv also served on the church Missionary Committee for about 30 years, and supported and encouraged many missionaries around the world throughout his life. Orv served as a medic in the U.S. Army from 1951-1953, participated in prison ministry, and volunteered as a Call-for-Help crisis line counselor for 40 years. His faith was evident in his everyday actions, always putting others first, and exuding generosity, love, and gratitude. Orville was well-known for his huge smile and joyful spirit in all circumstances.

Orville graduated from Pekin High School, then attended University of Illinois for his Bachelor’s of Science in Agricultural Education. He later earned a Master’s in Public Health Education from the University of Minnesota, and worked as a Public Health Educator for the Peoria City/County Health Department for 35 years. He then served as the Executive Director of the Blind Center in Peoria, then the Sight Center in East Peoria.

Orv is survived by his loving wife, Betty, his children Steve (Pam) Sauder, Karen (Tom) Sego, and Deb (Alan) Wyland; 11 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, and his brother Jim Sauder. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Dorothy, and his brother Wayne.

His funeral service to celebrate Orville’s life will be 10:00 am Monday, October 7, 2024 at Northfield Christian Fellowship in Tremont, Illinois. Don Blair will officiate.  Visitation will be one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.  Davis-Oswald Funeral Home in Tremont is assisting the family with arrangements.

Orv’s legacy of loving and serving God and others will continue to inspire all who knew him. His joyful presence and unwavering positivity, rejoicing in all circumstances, have left an indelible mark on us all.

Memorial contributions may be made to the NCF Mission Fund: https://secure.myvanco.com/YQ53/campaign/C-1136C or to a charity of donors choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Orville Sauder, please visit our floral store.