Leroy Sasse

LeRoy Carl Sasse, 86, entered fully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 6, 2018.  LeRoy is survived by Virgina “Ginger” Sasse (Reigle), his best friend and loving wife of 67 years, son Mike Sasse and wife Leona, daughter Cindy Tjaarda and husband William, ten grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.  He will also be forever remembered by his brother Art Sasse and wife Margaret along with numerous nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his parents, five sisters and two brothers.
LeRoy was born on August 3, 1932 in Golden Valley, North Dakota to Bernhard and Emma Sasse.  The family moved to Newberg, Oregon in 1940 where LeRoy attended school and graduated high school.  He then enlisted in the US Navy and served as a baker on the USS Ajax repair ship during the Korean War.  He continued to use his baking skills throughout his life, decorating numerous wedding and birthday cakes, baking cookies, rolls and becoming well known for his delicious cinnamon rolls.  LeRoy also delighted family and friends with several German dishes passed down from his mother.
LeRoy and Ginger were high school sweethearts and while on Navy leave were married in Vancouver, WA on January 6, 1951.  Together, they built their family home in Newberg and lived there from 1965 until their children were grown. They then built a second home that included a play house and merry-go -round for their grandchildren. Special memories were made there.  In 1993, LeRoy and Ginger moved to Salem, OR.
LeRoy worked for a paper mill in Newberg for 41 years.  It was here that he received additional schooling and training to become their first instrument technician.  Upon retiring in 1994, LeRoy and Ginger were able to have many fun years as “snowbirds” and enjoyed traveling, hiking, and the new friendships formed along the way.  LeRoy was an active member of the Salem First Baptist Church and had many close friends there as well.
LeRoy’s family was his life and he never missed an opportunity to spend time with them. He could always be seen at his grandchildren’s school and athletic events.  Family holidays, especially Christmas, were important to him.  His grandchildren, and great grandchildren always looked forward to gathering around their “Grandpa Toys” as he read the story of Jesus’ birth.
LeRoy’s testimony was the way in which he lived his faith.  He was the ultimate handyman and he often used those skills to help his family, his friends, and his neighbors.  Ginger was always alongside him as they worked best as a team.
LeRoy will be missed. We will miss his many life stories.  We will miss his laughter and his gentle spirit. He loved his family in such a way that each one knew without doubt that they were loved.
Please join us in celebrating LeRoy’s life on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 1:00, Salem First Baptist Church, 395 Marion St NE, Salem, OR 97301. Flowers are certainly welcome or you might consider making a donation in LeRoy’s name to either Willamette Valley Hospice or the Salem First Baptist Church Building Fund.
To send a flower arrangement or to plant trees in memory of
LeRoy Sasse, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.