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Lieutenant Colonel Ralph E. "Butch" Saner, Jr.

[December 12, 2023]  STEILACOOM WA — Lieutenant Colonel Ralph E. "Butch" Saner, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023, at his residence in Steilacoom, Washington, surrounded by his beloved family.

Obituary

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph E. "Butch" Saner, Jr., age 70, passed away peacefully on November 17, 2023, at his residence in Steilacoom, Washington, surrounded by his beloved family. Born in San Francisco, California, and grew up in Lincoln Illinois, Butch was a man who lived a life marked by honor, courage, and a profound sense of duty.

A graduate of Missouri Military Academy, Butch embodied the academy's ideals of discipline and honor throughout his life. His educational journey continued at Westminster College, after which he entered the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. His military career was both distinguished and dedicated. Butch served with the 27 years in the United States Army where he made many lifelong friends and was deeply influenced by several exceptional commanders. These experiences would profoundly shape the entirety of his military service.

In 1984, Butch attended the Special Forces Qualification Course, solidifying his path as a Special Forces Officer. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Fort Lewis, Washington, commanding SFODA 142. Butch's career was characterized by his work on projects with international implications at SOCPAC, his command of CJSOTF in Bosnia, and his service as the Deputy Group Commander during wartime, always prioritizing the welfare of his soldiers and their families.

Butch's legacy extends beyond his professional achievements into the personal realm, where he was a devoted husband to his wife, Erline of 39 years, father to sons Clint, Edward, Robert his wife Caroline, daughters Marisa and her husband Anthony, and Rebekah. He also has four grandchildren, Tre, Kaylie, Gianna and Anthony Joseph. Family was the cornerstone of his life, a source of both pride and joy.

Lieutenant Colonel Ralph "Butch" Saner, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of unwavering service and an example of true bravery, he was a soldier’s soldiers who always looked out for the welfare of them and their family.

A memorial service was held at New Tacoma Cemetery on Nov 25, 2023, with military honors to celebrate Butch's extraordinary life and legacy.