William “Bill” Richard Sager, 87, passed away on Friday, July 3, 2026 at the Fargo VA Hospital surrounded by caring staff and honored for his faithful service to his country.

Funeral Services for Bill will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake ND with Reverend Jim Paulson officiating. Burial with Military Honors will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

Bill was born on July 7, 1938, in Rolla, ND to Warren and Alice (Belisle) Sager later moving to Starkweather, ND to a small farm. Raised with humble beginnings, Bill learned the value of hard work at an early age, spending his childhood helping on the farm alongside his parents and his four brothers, Robert (Bob), Ron (Shorty), Darrell (Joe) and Craig.

Immediately following high school, Bill answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army. His military journey began with basic training in California and then stationing at Fort Gordon, Georgia. Bill served his early service years as a Military Policeman (MP), dedicating himself to his duties with determination and integrity. Bill was an excellent marksman and won many awards with both the Army and National Guard Pistol Teams. While he was known for his strong work ethic and commitment to service, he also formed lasting friendships and shared plenty of laughter with fellow soldiers along the way.

Following his active-duty service, Bill returned to Devils Lake, where he continued serving his country through the North Dakota Army National Guard as a Staff Sargent. Finally, back home, he married the love of his life, Janice Geller, in Devils Lake, ND and were blessed with four sons Todd, Kent, Troy and Kyle.

Early in their marriage, Bill and Janice spent a short time living in California, but it did not take long for them to realize that North Dakota was their true home. Upon returning, Bill became a well-known and respected member of the Devils Lake community. Over the years, he owned and operated a hardware store, service station, a towing service and bait shop before concluding his working years with the local rural water company as the Utilities manager which he was instrumental in forming.

Bill’s commitment to his community extended far beyond his professional and military life. He played a vital role in helping establish the Lake Region Anglers, Devils Lake Snowmobile Club, member of the Devils Lake Coast Guard Auxiliary and annually you could find him helping to drill holes or register fishermen for the Devils Lake Fishing tournament.

As a couple Bill and Janice often could be found at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) club. Whether participating in card tournaments or meeting up with friends for a few laughs the VFW was a favorite hangout for the Sager’s.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife Janice Sager; parents Warren and Alice Sager; brother Robert (Bob) Sager.

He leaves behind his sons Todd (Deanne) Sager, Kent Sager, Troy Sager, and Kyle (Sara) Sager; brothers Joe, Shorty and Craig; grandchildren Tony and Maddi and their children Elle and Zoey, Bailly and James Hoagland and their children Cobin and Isla, Jordan and Halli Sager, Madi and Brent Derhaag and their children Natalie and Nolan, and Jocelyn Sager, as well as many other extended family members from both the Sager and Geller families.