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TAPS: Commander Ivan Ernest “Buz” Sawyer, USN (Retired) passed away on 30 December 2020 at the age of 78

Buz SawyerCommander Ivan Ernest “Buz” Sawyer, a retired Naval Intelligence Officer, passed away on 30 December 2020. He was 78.

Ivan Ernest "Buz" Sawyer was born September 21, 1932 in Stoneham, MA. He graduated from Malden Catholic High School, Malden, MA in 1950. He furthered his education with a degree from UNO in 1980.

Serving both in Korea and Vietnam, Ivan enlisted as a Seaman Recruit on September 10, 1952, in Boston, MA advancing to Yeoman, 1st Class. In 1960 he changed his specialty to Intelligence Specialist and was commissioned as an Ensign, (Limited Duty Officer, Intelligence) on September 6, 1963, at the U.S. Naval Air Station, Kenitra, Morocco. During his service he was awarded: Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, retiring on October 1, 1982 at Offutt AFB as the Senior Limited Duty Officer, Intelligence, U.S. Navy, with the rank of Commander. After retirement he worked as the Manager of the Leon Myers Stamp Center at Boys Town.

Ivan married Liselotte Eder on March 2, 1957 in Paris, France. Liselotte died on May 7, 1993. He married JoAnn Zimmerman on July 15, 1994 in Ralston, NE. Preceded in death by parents, Ivan and Thelma (Bragdon) Sawyer; daughter, Anneliese; sister, Alice Lucas; brother, William; and first wife, Liselotte (Eder) Sawyer. Survived by wife, JoAnn E. Sawyer; daughters, Ingrid J. Sawyer and Monique E. Sawyer-Lang (Steve); son, A. Erich Sawyer (Sherri); grandchildren: Dylan Lang, Max Lang, and Connor Sawyer; sisters, Peggy Howe and Carol Sawyer; step-sons, Kent Zimmerman (Janet) and Dan Zimmerman (Cathy); nephews and nieces; step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

VISITATION observing CDC guidelines: Tuesday, January 5th from 5pm to 7pm at the West Center Chapel, with VIGIL SERVICE at 7pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, January 6th at 10am at St. Gerald Catholic Church, 9602 "Q" St. Interment in Bellevue Cemetery , with Military Honors by US Navy and Benson VFW Post #2502. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. Gerald School Endowment Fund and Radio Talking Book Service. To view live broadcasts of the Wake Service and Mass, go to www.heafeyheafey.comand click the "View Live Service" button on the home page.