Ellen M. Hager

Ellen M. Hager, 83 of Devils Lake passed away on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at CHI, St. Alexius Health, Devils Lake Hospital.

There will be a gathering of family and friends at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 7:00 p.m.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake with burial in St. Joseph’s Cemetery. A time of fellowship to follow at St. Joseph Parish Center.

Ellen Marie, daughter of Ned and Ann (Schmidt) Burckhard, was born on October 6, 1941in Devils Lake ND. She grew up in Devils Lake and attended school in Devils Lake. She graduated from Central High School with the class of 1959. While in high school, Ellen and sister Carol were active in the Ice-Skating Club and participated in many skating shows.

After her graduation, Ellen began her career as a switchboard operator at the local telephone company in Devils Lake. It was through a mutual friend that she met Peter A. Hager, and their connection blossomed into a beautiful love story. They were married on June 20, 1964, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, establishing a loving home in Devils Lake. In 1967, the couple moved to Minneapolis, where Ellen continued her work as a switchboard operator before returning to Devils Lake in 1975.

Upon returning to Devils Lake the family lived, worked, and made their home through the years. Ellen worked at the Good Samaritan Center in housekeeping for 18 years and then worked at Mercy Hospital, also in housekeeping, until her retirement. After retirement, Ellen occasionally demonstrated food items at Wally’s Grocery Store. She enjoyed visiting with customers and reminiscing with old friends and making new friends.

Elen was a long time member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and member of the National Society of Foresters.

Ellen was a dedicated, hard-working employee. She loved visiting with the residents and patients and always managed to put a smile on their faces. She was an accomplished pianist and shared her talent, playing piano for daily devotions at the Good Samaritan Home for many years and as an accompanist for husband Peter at singing events. Ellen was always generous with her time and talents as well as a special friend to many.

Pastimes included Word Search Puzzles, reading, watching her favorite TV shows, Funniest Home Videos, Wheel of Fortune, and cooking shows. A true believer in the power of written words, she expressed her affection and support through heartfelt letters, bringing joy to all who received them.

She leaves behind a legacy of compassion, warmth, and generosity that will continue to resonate in the hearts of all who knew her. Ellen will be missed deeply, but her spirit will forever guide us in love and remembrance.

Ellen's loving family includes her devoted husband, Peter, with whom she shared 61 beautiful years; cherished daughter Lynn of Fargo, ND; sister and brother-in-law Carol and Ron Starkey of Fergus Falls, MN; and sisters-in-law Dorothy Hager, Ann Breckheimer, and Donna Bourassa-Fawcett. She is also remembered by several nieces, nephews, and their families.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ned and Ann Burckhard.