Edward Saunders, Jr.

Edward F. Saunders, Jr., age 75, former teacher at Grand Island Senior High School, died August 15 in Omaha of a heart attack. Saunders taught History and Social Studies at Grand Island High School from 1966 to his retirement in 1992. He had a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Doane College and a Masters Degree from Kearney State College. He was selected by the Grand Island Public Schools as a candidate for the prestigious Christa McAuliff Award.

Saunders fought in World War II as a Laison Officer in the 91st Infantry and served during three campaigns on the Italian Front. He was active in the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Governor Kay Orr appointed Saunders to the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission where he served as a Commissioner for three terms. He also recently received his 50 year pin for membership in the Franklin Masonic Lodge. He was active in Big Brothers, UNL Touchdown Club, Kawanis Club, Sigma Phi Theta, Pi Kappa Delta, Trinity United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church of the Cross.

Saunders also previously served as Personnel Director and Chief Accounting Officer for St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln and was co-owner of the Story County Credit Bureau in Ames, Iowa one of the biggest credit bureaus in the United States.

On August 14, 1949 he was united in marriage to Betty Grosvenor in Aurora. They just celebrated 51 years of marriage.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Grosvenor Saunders; daughter, Trudy Saunders Bredthauer; son-in-law, Dr. Bryan Bredthauer of Omaha; two grandsons, Jacob Tyler Bredthauer and David Anthony Bredthauer; Other family members include: Robert Grosvenor, Jan Grosvenor, Gregg Grosvenor, Jeff Grosvenor, Todd Grosvenor, and R.M. and Mary Ann Pence.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Saturday at the Presbyterian U.C.C. Church in Aurora. Rev. Kevin Killion will officiate. Interment and Military Honors will follow the services. All past students and friends of Mr. Edward Saunders are invited to attend the services. Higby Mortuary in Aurora is in charge of arrangements.