Elmer Sauerhoff

Elmer “Buddy” Sauerhoff peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on January 29, 2018 at the age of 89. He is the beloved father of Mary Ellen (Benjamin Munoz), Sharon Frantini, Deborah Nelson, Priscilla Bracoto, the late Stephan Sauerhoff and the late Kathleen Sauerhoff; dear brother of Ronald Sauerhoff; caring grandfather of Benji Munoz, Brian Johnson, Angela Johnson, Kelly Tawney, Paul Luhman, the late Jennifer Berbakos, and the late Mark Luhman; cherished uncle of Amy Decker (Jeff); ex-husband of Mary Elizabeth James. He is also survived by many other loving great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Buddy was born in Baltimore, MD in 1928. He grew up in what he described as "his territory" otherwise known as "Pigtown". He was very proud of the community, its residents, and his many friends. He never lost sight of where and how he spent his childhood. Buddy enlisted in the Navy in 1945, served his country in the pacific conflict during the final stages of World War II and was honorably discharged in 1947. While in the service he continued his interest of boxing and often was involved in exhibition matches with well-known and notable opponents. After his discharge, Buddy turned to professional boxing. He was on his way to what many felt would be a very successful future, ulitmately never attained because he felt the needs of his family were more important. He was later inducted into the Maryland Boxing Hall of Fame, a tribute he would cherish forever.

He applied for a position as a fireman. He took and passed the test for the job and subsequently hired as a Baltimore City Fireman in 1947. Buddy would later sustain injuries while helping others when his station was called for assistance. As a result of his injuries, he was awarded early retirement. Afterwards, Buddy felt the need for activity and decided to apply for a position with the Maryland Racing Commission as a trainer in charge of the jockeys Quarters for all Maryland race tracks. He served in that capacity for 28 years and was frequently cited for his work with the jockey community. He had the pleasure of meeting all of the famous jockeys, helping them with injury issues. He gained the respect of everyone.

Buddys' greatest achievement however was not the success he had in his personal life, but was the manner in which he focused all of his devotion to his son Stevie who was born with Down Syndrome. Those who knew Buddy would agree no father could have done more to make Stevies' life a happy one. Steve passed in January 2017 and our family is happy they are forever reunited in heaven.

Family members and friends may gather at the family owned and operated Ambrose Funeral Home Inc. 1328 Sulphur Spring Rd. Halethorpe, MD 21227 for a memorial service Monday February 5th, 2018 at 5PM.