Jeffrey Steven Saumer - After an extended illness, and with his family at his side, "Steve" went home to be with the Lord on July 21, 2024. Steve was born April 2, 1944 in St Paul, MN to Sylvan and Alvilde Saumer. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Judy of Eau Claire, WI; his daughters Denise of Sanford, FL and Allison of Mpls, MN; his precious grandchildren Cal, Katarina and Mac Thiesing; and his sister Dr Ellen Berscheid of Menomonie, WI. He is also survived by his dear nieces, nephews and cousins. Surviving in-laws include Alice (Rodger) Dahl, Mary (late David) Stephan, Jim (Michelle) Powers, the late Suzanne (Carl) Nye, Christie (David) Oscarson, and Perry Christianson. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother-in-law Marcie Christianson and step father-in-law Harold Christianson, his cherished sister Mary Anderson, and his brother Michael Saumer. Steve began his pole vaulting career in Reno NV where he was raised until age 16. He set several Nevada junior high, high school and national junior olympic records. He later broke the Wisconsin state pole vaulting record after moving to Colfax in 1961. He was also a passionate golfer (acing four holes-in-one through the years) and an ardent racquetball player - sports that he enjoyed well into his later years. Following high school graduation in 1962, Steve served in the US Air Force from 1962 to 1966. He went on to study at UW Stout in Menomonie, before working several years at National Presto Industries in Eau Claire and Alamagordo, NM. For the bulk of his career Steve acted as the purchasing/stores manager for Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC), before retiring in 2001. Some might be surprised to learn that Steve's most rewarding work came after "retirement", when he served as driver/inspector for patients at Fahrman Center in Eau Claire. Steve and Judy enjoyed traveling through the years especially on cruises, visiting Hawaii, Reno, Las Vegas, Florida with family, and a few local casino trips. Steve was a compassionate and generous man and an avid animal-lover, but above all else, a caring and loving grandfather. Memorials on his behalf can be made to St, Jude Children's Hospital, Eau Claire Community Humane Association, or Mayo Hospice Care of Eau Claire. A memorial service for Steve will be held on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Colfax Lutheran Church, 601 River Street, with Pastor Jordan Herrick officiating. A visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Colfax. Arrangements were entrusted to Sampson Funeral Home in Colfax. Online condolences for Steve's family may be left at www.sampsonfuneralhome.com.