Frederick M. Fred Sasovetz

Because of Fred’s wife, Lynda, I had the opportunity to teach with a wonderful man and a gifted teacher in the early 1980’s at Grandview Elementary in ElDorado, KS. Lynda had given birth to their child and did not want to return to her teaching position as a second grade teacher. That’s where I came in…I interviewed for Lynda’s job on a Friday in late December. I was hired that day. Thinking I would begin my first teaching job after the holidays, I was surprised to learn I would begin that very next Monday. I arrived at Grandview Monday morning, excited, scared, overwhelmed and very nervous. Those feelings of nervousness soon vanished as the staff welcomed me with smiles and words of encouragement. I knew I was ‘home.’ I have been teaching at Grandview for almost 28 years. One of those kind teachers who welcomed a nervous first year teacher was Fred. He always had a smile and I knew from the first time I met him he loved being a teacher. While Fred was at Grandview I was in awe at how knowledgeable this man was. I enjoyed watching him play soccer with his students at recess and understood why the students loved Mr. S. He treated them with respect and let them know they were important. We missed having Fred on our staff, but we also knew no matter where he was teaching, Mr. S would touch the lives of many children. Fred is gone from his earthly home, but he left behind many wonderful memories for all of us who had the privilege to know him. Fred is now free and able to run up and down Heaven’s soccer field with children of all ages trying to keep up with Mr. S. The Sasovetz family is in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Debbie Hall 2nd grade teacher Grandview Elementary

Dearest family of Fred Sasovetz: I recently read in the Goodland Daily News about the death of Mr. Sasovetz. My name is Liana McCants Steele. I had Mr. Sasovetz when I was in 6th grade at Grant Grade School in 1964. He was a tremendous teacher. We may have been his first class as a teacher. We loved him dearly. I believe this was the year he bought his red mustang with the white racing stripes. Yes, we talked a lot about this car. I dont believe that he was married yet, but was going to be soon because we discussed this in class, too. Mr. Sasovetz had a talent for recognizing the undeveloped gifts of students who may have been quiet, shy or didnt even recognize their own gifts. He was our first male teacher and I know my class has several teachers from it, no doubt he influenced their decision. I am a lawyer in Grand Island, NE and my husband and I just opened our practice together, Steele Law Office. While I was in Goodland, my dad owned the newspaper. I just wanted you to know that Mr. Sasovetz made a big difference on this earth. Congratulations on having him in your family. Most sincerely, Liana McCants Steele

All of these tributes came only a short time after his passing; however, I just came across this obituary. I too had Mr. Sasovetz for 5th grade social studies at Grandview Elementary. Although I didn’t appreciate it then, I now know what a gifted teacher he was. He made a difference in my life, and it would seem in the lives of many others as well.

Mr. Sasovetz, You were an amazing teacher. I really enjoyed social studies in fifth grade at Grandview. I really liked it when we got to do state projects. Thank you for challenging us. Condolences to your family. You will be missed.

To the family of ‘Mr. Sasovetz’, It was with sorrow for your loss, yet fond memories, that I read about the death of Mr. Sasovetz in the Wichita Eagle. ‘Mr. Sasovetz’, as I knew him, was my 6th grade teacher in 1964 in Goodland, Kansas. I will always remember him as one of my favorite teachers. It must have been his first or second year teaching. I thought it was cool to have a man for a teacher. It’s amazing how I still remember some details from many years ago: -In the days without internet, he engaged us in worldwide learning. We wrote letters to foreign countries to get information about the country and make a scrapbook and presentation. I remember doing Australia. -I remember we had to write our spelling words in a sentence. I remember writing a story with mine and he liked that. -He would throw erasers at us when we misbehaved. That always made a good story! -He made me stay after school one day because I pulled the hair of another student in line to get a drink. I wasn’t one to get in trouble, so I was devastated. My dad was principle of Goodland High School and it just wasn’t in my nature to cause problems! Our family only lived in Goodland for two years, but later moved to El Dorado and lo and behold here he was again! I don’t remember crossing paths with him here, except to think about him when I would see his name. Please know that your spouse and your dad is remembered fondly. I pray that your good memories will comfort you for a long time. With sympathy, Janice Domann Jones

I was blessed with the privilege of working with Fred in therapy here at Hope. He quickly became a dear friend. He gave back so much. He always had a happy greeting for everyone he came in contact with. He would always tease me about pronouncing Portsmouth Virginia ‘Ports Mouth’. He will be greatly missed here. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. May God comfort and keep you close in this time of great loss.

It is with deep sadness that I received the news of Cousin ‘Cobbers’ passing from Aunt Nancy. We, my brother and I and the four boys, spent many an hour together as children. I can see by the public tributes that he was a beloved teacher. I know of his zeal for trains, and his love of his family. While many many miles have always separated our respective families, know that a prayer is being said in New Jersey for Frederick, and for your profound loss.

I taught with Fred at Franklin Elementary and his dedication to his students was commendable. I always teased him about being ‘Mr. Rogers’ with his sweater over the chair and his calm, steady, reliable demeanor. He road the city bus to work and was always ready with a smile and pleasant greeting! Fred will be sadly missed.

I had the honor or working with Mr. Sasovetz at Bryant Elementary. I was very saddened to hear that he had passed away. It was wonderful to work with someone so compassionate and passionate about every one of his students. He held high expectations for his students but gave them so much support and encouragement that they wanted to do well for him. I believe my fellow staff members, the students and parents had great respect for him as a teacher and a friend. My thoughts are with your family at this time.

Our deepest heartfelt sympathy on your loss. Fred was a great teacher to our children, and a personal friend and fellow rail enthusiast.

I taught with Fred at Grandview in the late 70’s (before he & Lynda were married). As a new teacher he made me feel welcome and part of the faculty. I also appreciated his sense of humor, and commitment to his students and the teaching profession. My sympathies to Lynda and family for their loss.

Mr Sasovetz was my 5th grade teacher in 1989 at Kellogg Elementary. He was my first male teacher and I really liked that he made learning fun. I remember once someone had wrote a note in class and we couldn’t go out for recess until the person confessed to do it. I took the blame for it so we could go, but I really didn’t write it. He made an example out of me (for social studies) and put me on trial in class with my peers being the jury. I was found guilty by my peers and made to write sentences. He said he knew I didn’t do it, and because they didn’t say what sentence to write; that I could just write “I do.” Love that teacher!