Fritz Karl Sautter

Fritz K. Sautter

Brunswick Fritz K. Sautter, of Brunswick, died Thursday, July 10, 2003, at Samaritan Hospital Troy, of complications from Parkinson Disease.

Born in Stuttgart, Germany in 1927, Dr. Sautter received his doctorate in natural sciences from Stuttgart University in 1955, and worked for several years in German industry. He came to the United States as a young scientist, with his wife and daughter, in 1959, when the Defense Department was recruiting European scientists.

In 1989, Dr. Sautter retired as deputy director of Benet Laboratories at the Watervliet Arsenal after nearly 30 years of federal service. While at Benet, he headed the Physical Science Branch, the Research Division, and the Operations Office before being promoted to deputy director in 1981. During his career he earned national and international honors. In 1963, he received a Department of Army Research and Development Award for perfecting the coating of cannon barrels. In 1966, a device of his creation was adopted by NASA for use in the Gemini 12 space flight. In the late 1970's, he represented the United States in technological information exchanges with NATO allies.

Dr. Sautter was the son of the late Ernst and Emma Sautter, and the brother of the late Eberhard and Rudolf Sautter. He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Ruth Sautter; his daughter Carola Sautter and her husband David Solomon; two grandsons, Adam and Luke Solomon; and relations in Germany.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral service Monday at 11:00am at the Bryce Funeral Home Inc. corner of Pawling Avenue at Maple Avenue Troy with Rev. Michael Crandall, Chaplain of The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, officiating. Interment will be in Eagle Mills Cemetery with a gathering at the Sautter- Solomon home immediately following.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Sautter to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County 295 Valley View Blvd. Rensselaer, NY 12144 or the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society Oakland Avenue Menands, NY 12204. The family wishes to thank Dr. Martin Echt and Challen Hammer for their guidance and compassion.

 Service Information