Virgil Laverne Sauers, 92

Virgil Laverne Sauers of Keyport died Oct. 19, 2003 in Bremerton. He was 92.

Sauers was born to John and Minnie (Getzlaff) Sauer in Colfax on Nov. 18, 1910.

He married Winifred Sauers.

He was raised at College Place and graduated from Walla Walla High School in 1928. He attended Walla Walla College for three years.

He served in World War II as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy. He was a Lieutenant Commander for the U.S. Navy for 21 years until his retirement in 1954. He then returned to Keyport and started Keyport Electronics where he worked until 1970. He built two homes in Keyport.

Sauers joined the U.S. Navy in January 1933. He attended Deep Sea Diving School in 1937 and had duty involving diving until World War II. He was aboard the USS Canopus in Manila Bay Philippines and was captured at the fall of Correigidor. He was imprisoned in several camps and eventually sent to Japan and to a copper mine in New Hand, North Japan. He was a Prisoner of War for 39 months until the end of the war.

Following the war he served in Keyport, Guam, Treasure Island and at the 7th Naval District. He retired in 1954.

He was an avid Mariners fan and loved the show “I Love Lucy.” He was also very proud of his rose gardens.

Sauers is survived by daughter Marlene of Keyport; one granddaughter; and two great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his wife Winifred Sauers.

At the request of the family, there will be no services.

Sauers will be cremated at Cherry Grove Crematory and his ashes will be scattered at sea by the U.S. Navy.

Memorial donations can be sent to Keyport Fire Station #73, Keyport, WA 98345.

An Online memorial may be viewed at www.lewischapel.com.