Jerry Sapa

Jerry Sapa passed away on February 26 at Hospice House in Fargo Sanford Hospital from complications of very recently diagnosed cancer. Jerry was born on June 23, 1956 in Britton, SD to Joe and Helen Sapa, the youngest of 5 children who lived to adulthood. The family lived in Rutland and moved to Fargo when Jerry was two years old. Jerry attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in Fargo and graduated from Shanley High School in 1974. After high school Jerry worked for several building contractors in the area as a carpenter, eventually starting his own construction and remodeling business. His love of hunting and rural life eventually pulled him back to his family’s original hometown area in Sargent County, and resided in Rutland, ND at the time of his death. While in Rutland, Jerry was an avid hunter and his home was the headquarters for many friends and relatives to gather for hunting as well as numerous social gatherings, including fellow Shanley High School friends who quickly became part of Rutland area landscape themselves. Jerry and his several dogs over the years were always welcoming to whoever stopped by, whether to hunt or just to enjoy a beer and conversation. Jerry was known throughout the county as not only a talented carpenter, but a “perfectionist” carpenter. Friends there say that there “isn’t a home or outbuilding in six townships around here that Jerry hasn’t worked on.” According to his Rutland friends, Jerry “pretty much built the Sportsman’s Club;” organizing fund raisers for the building and did most of the labor on it himself. Often times he did not charge for his work, especially if it was for a church or some other charitable group. One of the projects that Jerry helped build was Coteau des Prairies Lodge and “used his talented carpenter hands on every corner and surface of the Lodge.” All who came to know Jerry knew him as a selfless and generous friend. His sparkling smile and genial personality were always welcoming and humble. He was truly a spiritual man who found happiness and fulfillment in helping and being around others. He will be remembered as a hard and honest worker as well as a steadfast brother, uncle, friend and neighbor. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Joe and Helen Sapa, and sisters Alacoque Gibb and Mary Helen Konewko all from Fargo. He is survived by his sisters Margaret Hartze and Jean Seifert (Dave), both of Fargo as well as 13 nieces and nephews. Two Life Celebrations are planned; the first on Saturday, March 7 from 2-4pm with a short service at 4pm at the City Hall in Rutland, ND and the second on Sunday, March 8 from 2-4pm with a short service at 4pm at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo.