Hilda Sager

Hilda Sager, 102 of of Devils Lake, ND passed away on Saturday morning, February 21, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake. Funeral Services for Hilda will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Lori Broschat officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery, rural Starkweather, ND in the spring. Music will be provided by Mary Oehlke and Jean Aardahl. Casket Bearers for Hilda will be Myrle Aronson, Jerry Johnson, Dean Skjerven, Lonnie Lindenberg, Royal Dingman, Leo Lindenberg and Todd Erickstad. Honorary Bearers is the ladies of Miriam Circle. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to the service. Hilda was born April 18, 1912 at the farm house of her parents, Herman and Emma (Lehmbecker) Lindenberg in Sullivan Township, Ramsey County, North Dakota. She was baptized by W. G. Ditzen, Evangelical Pastor at Starkweather. At age 14 she was confirmed by a Lutheran minister of Starkweather. She attended Sullivan Elementary schools and graduated from Starkweather High School. She did not attend college, but helped with the work at home and for relatives and friends during the busy spring and harvest season. Cooking for threshing crews was the normal “job” every year including in the old time cook cars. On a few occasions she spent a little time at the Starkweather Telephone Office so the two girls could have a break to visit relatives or friends for a few hours. On September 27, 1936, she was united in marriage to Lyle B. Sager. At first they rented a small farm owned by Dr. W.C. Fawcett, Starkweather physician. In 1938 a son, Gene Newton was born on the farm. Sometime later, a larger farm was rented from a nearby neighbor, Ole Erickstad until his son-in-law would return from the service. Then a farm in the vicinity was for sale which they purchased, farmed and raised cattle until 1974 when they retired but continued to reside there. Now there was some time for them to enjoy short or more lengthy bus tours. Interesting places and beautiful scenery in many states was enjoyed. As the years went by, Hilda’s seven brothers and three sisters passed away one by one and she was the lone survivor of the large family. After many years of good health, Lyle too began to fail. It was hard for him to leave the farm, but on August 1, 1993 they moved to Devils Lake. A good renter took over the care of the little farm Lyle was so fond of. Lyle passed away November 2nd of that year. Sadly, son, Gene, also passed away in 2004. They had attended the Methodist Church at Starkweather, so after his death, Hilda joined the First United Methodist Church of Devils Lake including the Ladies’ Aid Miriam Circle and a discussion group. She enjoyed flowers, gardening and crafts, much of which turned up at the Fall Bazaars. Trying new recipes, especially desserts, cookies and rolls took up some of her time. Last but not least, she enjoyed humorous little articles and jokes for a laugh, which she agreed was like good medicine. Often she shared them in her letters to nieces and nephews. Hilda is survived by her daughter-in-law Beverly Sager, Devils Lake; grandchildren Gregory Gene (Marie) Sager, Crary, ND, Lonnie Alan (Christy) Sager, Buxton, ND; great grandchildren Trista Marie Sager, Tanner Mellyle Sager, Travis Mickal Sager and Courtney Gene Sager; sister-in-law, Hazel (Bjarne) Berg, Fargo, ND and many nieces, nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; son Gene Sager; sisters Ella Christen, Clara Rasmussen and Loretta West; brothers Herman, Alfred, Walter, Emil, Edward, Arthur and Paul Lindenberg.