Jeffrey Saddler

For four days, Jeff received kind, extraordinary care from the nursing staff and doctors of multiple critical care teams. All professionals meticulously treated Jeff and his family, doing all that was medically possible to sustain his life and make him comfortable. Jeff’s family took vigil, and witnessed the dignity, tenderness, and utmost respect Jeff received throughout his stay in Midland. Tragically, due to the extent of damage to Jeff’s heart and other vital organs, life and breath were not sustainable for his weakened body.

Encircled by those who deeply loved him, Jeff went to heaven, where assuredly, he was lovingly welcomed with open arms by both his heavenly and earthly father. Jeff loved God, and his faith was deep and at the core of his very being. Jeff was born November 29, 1960 to Helen Saddler and the late Ivan Saddler of Long Rapids Road. This burly, friendly giant of a guy graduated from Alpena High School in 1978 where he played hockey, but truly this fierce competitor enjoyed myriad sports like tennis, golf, water and snow skiing and snowmobiling throughout his lifetime.

At ACC, Jeff completed the Auto Body and Concrete Technology Programs. He enjoyed all water sports and had a job he loved at Four Winns Boat Manufacturers, building and test-driving watercrafts of all kinds. The majority of Jeff’s career was focused on supervision in the field of concrete technology in many different places such as Michigan, North Carolina and Tennessee.

After a fruitful career, he returned to Alpena and spent countless hours taking his beloved best friend, Buck, a ginger Chesapeake Bay Retriever, on many adventures in the great outdoors, bringing him great joy and peace. Jeff was proficient in and had a deep love of a diverse array of hobbies. He was known as the life of the party and the funny guy who could brighten any room with his quick one liners and infectious laugh. He could beat some of the best in darts or pool, and if you were his partner in Euchre, you had a better chance than most of coming out on top! Under his commanding exterior and big stature was a sensitive, sentimental man.

He was a skilled bow and rifle hunter, and enjoyed seeing Kansas, Wyoming and his home state of Michigan while he wielded his bow. His big trophy was a 16-point bagged in Kansas, which he proudly displayed in his home. Jeff and his dad were both avid hunters, and they enjoyed this sport together on the family’s hunting property at Hubbard Lake for over 34 years. You might have seen Jeff cruising town on his bicycle, hitting garage sales for that treasured find, or proudly cruising on his shiny black Harley enjoying the wind in his hair.

Jeff’s love of music was nurtured by his music-loving mom and best friend. As a child he sang in three-part harmony at church and learned to play the guitar, but in the last 10 years, again inspired by his mom, a true passion emerged. Jeff picked up the ukulele. He spent countless hours playing on his porch swing. He was a master at playing by ear but was also accomplished at reading music. He could sing and play to the enjoyment of his family, those at church, nursing homes and shut-ins. He played with a flair and unique style that lingered long after the music stopped.

Jeff has had an interest in gardening for years, and this summer he tried his hand at growing zinnias. He lovingly watered, fertilized, pruned and nurtured each seed, and marveled at the rainbow of beauty emerging in his yard and neighborhood. Recently Jeff rediscovered his love for golf, delighting in every swing — whether it was a perfect shot or a playful “bad shot” — always embracing the fun and camaraderie of the game. His enthusiasm and spirit were contagious to all who knew him. His warmth, humor and zest for life made an impression on you.

He was a member of Huron Shores Fellowship of Alpena, and through the years took great pride in participation in the choir and men’s quartets. To those who knew him best, Jeff’s tender heart, loyalty and humor were a treasure. He was grateful for even the smallest act of kindness and his generosity to those he loved and strangers alike was a priority. Jeff definitely had a sarcastic wit and LOVED to tell a joke. He made a statement when he entered the room, because he was boisterous and handsome.

Jeff’s greatest pride and accomplishment were undoubtedly his children, Gabe and Lexi Saddler Ury (Seth), born to him and former spouse and wife of 17 years, Jeanette (Workman) Saddler, presently of Tennessee. His two tow-headed grandsons, Foster and Cyrus, delighted him. He enjoyed having the boys sit on his Harley as he’d revved the engine to make them squeal in delight. Jeff’s wake is crowded with those who loved him and prayed for him. He left a colossal space in our hearts and worlds. Sing loudly, strum till you get calluses and know son, brother, father, uncle and friend we will see you, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

We, Jeff’s grieving family, would like to thank Laura Hoffman for her spiritual care and guidance throughout this difficult process. We are incredibly grateful and blessed by all those who prayed and interceded for Jeff, sent notes of love and encouragement to family members, and to every healthcare professional who touched Jeff or one of us during this challenging journey. We rejoice in the confidence we will see him again!

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Lexi (Seth) Saddler Ury, his son, Gabe Saddler, mother, Helen Saddler, grandchildren, Foster and Cyrus, sisters; Sandy (Randy) Welch, Judy LaRosa (Jim Clark), niece, Jessica (Matt) Brimmer, nephews, Jeremy (Collette) Welch, Zack (Caroline) LaRosa, Caleb LaRosa (fiancée Bianca Alosky), Jacob LaRosa (fiancée Lizz Ladd), Jeffrey LaRosa, great nieces and nephews, Emma, Brielle, and Ethan Welch, Nora and Grant LaRosa, Katie Brimmer, aunts and uncles, Barb Davis, Elaine Nowak, Jerry (Maryanne) Saddler, Andy (Michelle) Saddler, and multiple cousins and extended family.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Huron Shores Fellowship Church from 2 p.m. until the memorial service at 3 p.m. with Pastors Warren Hoffman and Joe Collins officiating. Memorial donations can be made to Second Chance Animal Shelter at 1110 Devere Dr., Alpena, MI 49707. McWilliams Funeral Home has been entrusted with Jeff’s care.