John Michael Sauser

John Michael Sauser, 80 of Las Vegas, Nevada passed away on March 6, 2026 following a battle with Parkinson’s. John was born in Redondo Beach, California on January 22, 1946, to parents June Neufner and Rudolph Sauser. The Sauser Family moved to Mammoth Lakes when John was 12. John was the oldest of five, living with two brothers, two sisters and his parents, who ran a modest, family-owned lodge. He inherited his Dad’s handiness which he used to advantage in his work and private life, later claiming to be a “jack of all trades and master of none.” He got the personality traits of being affectionate, caring, loyal, and generous from his Mom. He left Mammoth Lakes to go to college in Torrance, CA. While attending college, he worked at Ashers Fried Chicken in Redondo Beach for several years where he eventually met his wife of 56 years, Patricia. With the war in Vietnam raging and the draft looming, along with an eye towards the future as a potential husband and father, he decided the Air Force was a better option, enlisting in 1968. Listening to Veteran customers' stories and their regrets of not staying in as a “lifer” had a big impact on his later decision to make the military a career.

Shortly after enlisting, he married Patricia, the love of his life. His career gave the family the opportunity to be stationed at several bases, the highlight of which was in England for 5 years. The small family eventually grew with the addition of two sons, Christopher and Andrew. In 1988 after retiring from Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, he worked for McCarran Airport for 21 years.

John is survived by his two sons, Christopher and Andrew Sauser and his loving daughter-in-law, Charlene, along with seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law Charlie and Kerrie and Bill and Chrissy, and his sisters Judy and Tina.

John will surely be missed by his family and friends. He was known for his love of tie dye shirts; he had over 75 shirts in all styles. During his life he was known by many titles, including husband, veteran, boy scout leader, coach and patriot. The title he held dearest though, was that of loving husband to his wife, Patricia. He would always answer her with “yes dear,” no matter what she was asking. The two of them have been reunited and are most assuredly watching down on us while wearing brightly colored matching shirts.

His funeral service is on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bunkers Mortuary in Las Vegas, viewing at 1:00 pm and service at 2:00 pm. There will be a graveside ceremony at a later date for the family in Bishop, California to place him in his final resting place alongside Patricia.