John D. Sauder, 74, Third Generation General Motors Dealer, 74

November 05, 2023

John D. Sauder, 74, of Lititz, went peacefully to his heavenly home on Sunday, November 5, 2023.

Born in Lancaster, he was the beloved son of Carl S. & Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Lefever Sauder of New Holland. He was the husband of Bonita Heishman Sauder. John was a member of Neffsville Mennonite Church.

John attended elementary school in New Holland, and was a 1967 graduate of Christopher Dock Mennonite High School in Lansdale, PA. He also attended Eastern Mennonite University and Elizabethtown College, with a concentration in Business. John graduated from Dealers Sons School in Detroit, MI.

John N. Sauder Auto Company was founded in 1909, by John N. Sauder, (grandfather of John D, Sauder) to sell motorcycles out of his barn. In 1917, John N. Sauder turned his barn into a dealership and acquired the Overland Franchise. Durant, Studebaker, Oakland & Willies Knight Franchises were acquired in 1918, & became the foundation of John N. Sauder Auto Company. Later his sons, Mervin (father of Larry Sauder) & Carl Sauder (father of John D. Sauder) joined him in business.

The Chevrolet Franchise was acquired in 1930 & Oldsmobile in 1935.

In 1966, the Sauder’s built a new 22,000 sq ft dealership at its current location, 875 West Main Street, New Holland. The new building increased the Service Department & Body Shop areas by fifty percent. Geo was also added along the way to this location

John D. Sauder became one of the youngest dealers in the nation in the 1970’s.

He opened Heritage Chevrolet in Lititz in early 1970’s and later merged this location with New Holland.

In 2001, John D. Sauder opened John D. Sauder Auto Company, in Ephrata, PA. The Franchises acquired were Chevrolet, Buick & Pontiac.

In 2013, John led the Chevrolet Essential Brand Elements renovation of both dealerships. Both the New Holland & Ephrata Dealerships have had the honor with Chevrolet of receiving the Mark of Excellence Award, multiple times.

The long legacy of the Sauder Family takes great pride in serving the local community’s automotive needs, through Sales, Service, Parts & Body Shop.

The Fourth Generation, of Candance Sauder King & John Patrick Sauder are in place to step into the roles as Co- Dealers/Owners at the New Holland & Ephrata Dealerships. The Fifth generation is starting to graduate from college with interests in business, finance and economics.

During John’s years as a successful entrepreneur, he enjoyed giving back to his community. (New Holland especially had a special place in his heart) He served on the boards of Lancaster Bible College & Welsh Mountain Retreat. He supported many local schools & organizations.

John had a wide appreciation of music, especially the Beach Boys. He sang in choirs, attended concerts, played guitar & sang in his band “The Novas” during High School.

He loved to travel and visited Europe, Aruba, Canada, Central America, Bermuda, Hawaii, and he enjoyed a Disney Cruise to Bahamas with his family. One of the family’s greatest adventures together was their 6-week trip to the West Coast in a motorhome during the summer of 1995.

John enjoyed golf and tennis. He was a classic car enthusiast. The Sauder family had many childhood memories at the family beach house in Ocean City, NJ. John enjoyed his family vacations in Hilton Head, SC with his family and wintering in Sarasota, FL. He had many lifelong friends that he enjoyed spending time with.

A sports fan at heart, he had 76’ers season tickets and attended many Eagles, Phillies, and Penn State games, as well as Daytona Races. His larger-than-life personality was contagious, and he delighted in planning adventures to create incredible memories with his family. His loyalty, legacy, laughter, and humor endeared him to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Bonita, of Lititz, and their loving children: Candance, married to Wendel King of Leola; John Patrick, married to Amy Sauder of Lititz; and Jacquelyn, married to AJ Iannello of Lititz;

Grandchildren: Greyson, Dylan, William and Blake King; Avery and John Patrick Sauder Jr. and Bryce Ralston. John was looking forward to meeting his youngest grandchild, Baby Iannello due in December.

Brother: Eric Sauder, of Harrisonburg, VA.

Preceding him in death are his daughter, Megan Suzanne Noelle Sauder Ralston, and sister, Carol Suzanne Sauder Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 13 at 1 p.m. at Neffsville Mennonite Church, 2371 Lititz Pike, Lancaster, 17601. Private interment will be at Westminster Presbyterian Cemetery. The viewing will be held at Neffsville Mennonite Church on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 3p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Monday, Nov 13, from 12p.m. to 1 p.m. before the service

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to Megan’s Fund at Ann Barshinger Cancer Institute, c/o LG Health Foundation, 2110 Harrisburg Pike, Suite 205, Lancaster, PA 17601 or online at www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/giving-foundation/makeing-a-gift/memorial-gifts.

The John Sauder Family would like to thank family, friends, doctors, and nurses for the care & support during this past year. A special thank you to Dr. Matthew Brennan with Ann Barshinger Cancer Institute.

John’s zest for life and love for adventure will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed.

Watch the tribute video