NWA Capt. Edward A. Sauley Jr.

 

~ IN MEMORY ~

Navy veteran, NWA Capt. Edward A. Sauley Jr.

September 5, 1938 ~ August 26, 2025

 

Edward was an aviator in every sense of the word. He flew helicopters in the U.S. Navy before beginning a distinguished career as a commercial pilot, rising to Captain of the 747 with Northwest Airlines……………

Edward joined Northwest Airlines 01-23-1967.

PCN memorial site

 

To share memories and view the online guestbook, please visit

https://bellevuefuneralchapel.com/edward-a-sauley-jr/ 

obituary Edward A. Sauley, Jr.

Edward’s story began in Pittsburgh, born into a proud Austrian Catholic family. He met the love of his life, Dani, while in college. They married in 1961, beginning a partnership of faith and devotion that lasted a lifetime. Together, they raised a beautiful Catholic family of six children — their eldest a daughter, followed by five sons.

 

Ed and Dani raised their family in Seattle, and later, for 45 years, on their cattle ranch in Olympia, Washington. Family was always at the center of his life, and he instilled in his children a strong work ethic and a solid foundation of Christian values. Their family grew over the decades, blessing them with 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. In 2021, Ed and Dani moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to begin the next chapter of their lives.

 

He is survived by his beloved sisters, Elizabeth and Eileen, and was predeceased by his brother George and by parents Edward and Elizabeth Sauley.

 

The Aviator

 

Edward was an aviator in every sense of the word. He flew helicopters in the U.S. Navy before beginning a distinguished career as a commercial pilot, rising to Captain of the 747 with Northwest Airlines. Whether soaring high above the clouds or working the land on his ranch, Edward brought discipline, courage, and a spirit of adventure to all he did.

 

The Leader

 

Edward was a natural leader and was very fond of being Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 007 in Olympia, Washington. He guided many boys including his five sons in scouting. Many became Eagle Scouts as did all five of his sons. He led winter snow camps at Mount Rainier and summer hikes and canoe trips, including a 50-mile hike or a 50-mile canoe trip every summer. He taught resilience, self-reliance, and a love of God’s creation to his children and countless other young men.

 

The Knight

 

Edward’s Catholic faith was the bedrock of his life. A devoted man of prayer, he was active at Sacred Heart Church, Roman Rite. Later he helped to establish a Byzantine Rite parish that grew into St. George Byzantine Church in Olympia. He was also instrumental in establishing the Shrine to the Blessed Mother near St. George’s Church.

 

He was a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus, the Color Core Commander “Purple Plumb.” Edward was knighted in the Holy Cross of Jerusalem in recognition of his support for orphanages and convents in Jerusalem and Palestine. Consequently, he would be Sir Edward. His life of faith was expressed not only in devotion, but also in service.

 

Edward served on the board of Holy Family School, and at times stepped in as substitute teacher or principal. Together with Dani, he co-founded Show the Truth Washington, courageously witnessing for the sanctity of life across Washington, Oregon, and California.

 

The Founder

 

Edward was a builder of both family and community. He founded the former Sauley Ranch Black Angus Cattle, and the current Holy Family School, St. George Byzantine Church, and Shrine. His life’s work was marked by vision, courage and deep commitment to serving God and others.

 

A Life of Legacy

 

Above all, Edward was a son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He leaves behind not only the institutions he helped build, but also a family strengthened by the example he set — a legacy of faith, hard work, devotion, and love.

 

Edward Sauley’s life was a testament to living with conviction and courage. His example will continue to guide his family and all who were blessed to know him.

 

Visitation: Thursday, September 4, 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with Rosary at 7:00 p.m., both at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church, 12330 South 36th Street, Bellevue, NE 68123.

 

To view a live broadcast of the Rosary, please click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/edward-a-sauley-jr-obdkpy42dyxwyxuwnlqt?

 

Mass of Christian Burial: Friday, September 5, 10:30 a.m., St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic Church. This day would have been Ed’s 87th birthday.

 

To view a live broadcast of the Mass, please click the link below.

https://boxcast.tv/view/edward-a-sauley-jr-h9xpjsdvbi3bcz21ynlq?

 

Military Honors:  U. S. Navy Honor Guard and American Legion Post #331

 

Interment: 1:30 p.m., Omaha National Cemetery

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Nebraskans Embracing Life / www.nebraskansembracinglife.org or St. Matthew Knights of Columbus Council 11879/ www.kofc11879.org