Garland Lee Sagen

garland sagen

December 22, 1929 ~ May 17, 2025

Born in: Churchs Ferry, ND
Resided in: Dilworth, MN

Garland’s memorial service will be livestreamed below at 11:00 AM on Saturday June, 7 2025.

Garland Lee Sagen, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2025, at Lilac Homes in Dilworth, MN, with his beloved wife, Margaret, by his side. He was 95 years old, having been born on December 22, 1929, in the small town of Churchs Ferry, North Dakota, to Clarence and Inga Sagen.

Garland grew up in Churchs Ferry, where he was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church on July 10, 1930. He was proud of his roots and embraced the values of hard work and community service from a young age. After completing high school, he furthered his education by attending college, before starting a career in the electrical industry.

Garland dedicated over three decades of his life to Nodak Rural Electric Cooperative, Grand Forks, ND from 1947 to 1977, where he began as a lineman and eventually rose to the position of Line Superintendent. His career was briefly interrupted by two tours in the Korean War, where he bravely served, 1948-1951, He entered the service as a 1st private and was honorably discharged as a corporal in the 5th Army Signal Corp, earning the Korean Service Medal with three bronze stars. After returning home, he continued his career in the electrical industry as a General Manager with Oliver Mercer Rural Electric Cooperative in Hazen, ND until he later retired in 1988, Devils Lake, ND

On June 26, 1950, Garland married the love of his life, Margaret E. Owens. They lived in Devils Lake, ND prior to moving to Hillsboro, ND for the next 17yrs. Together, they raised three wonderful children: Judy Sagen-Dzul (Sandy Dzul), Rodney Sagen (Trudy Sagen), and Kenneth Sagen (Laura Sagen). Garland’s legacy will continue to thrive through his grandchildren and great grandchildren – Noah Miller (Mason), Tahirih Coleman (Sydney, Ashton) Miranda Jangula (Isabella, Gabriel, Thomas), Erin Cox (Liam, Jude, Luka).

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Garland was also a devoted community member. He served as a Scoutmaster for many years, instilling life skills and values in the youth of the community. He was an active member of the Sons of Norway, Zion Lutheran Church, and Toastmasters, just to name a few. He was always eager to help and share his knowledge with others.

Garland’s interests were as varied as they were rich. He loved spending time with his family and many friends, going hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. He had a creative side that shone through his woodworking and carving projects. One of his greatest achievements was the invention of the Sagen Hunter’s Field Saw I & II, alongside his son Rodney. Today, The Sagen Hunter’s Field Saw is a well-known, commonly used tool by hunters in the US and other countries.

Garland is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, sons Rodney and Kenneth, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a man characterized by his patience, humility, humor, and a life-long learner. Garland enjoyed life to the fullest and left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday June 7, 2025 at 11:00AM at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center, Fargo, ND.

Garland Lee Sagen will be deeply missed but fondly remembered; his spirit will continue to light up our lives.

Services

Visitation - Saturday: June 7, 2025 10:00 am - 11:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

Memorial Service - Saturday: June 7, 2025 11:00 am

Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center
123 10th Street S.
Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-237-6441
www.boulgerfuneralhome.com

An image showing the branch of service for Army Veteran

View current weather.

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Garland was absolutely a great man!
    He welcomed me into the family. Men’s handshake and all, and was the person I asked for the hand of his granddaughter, Tahirih.
    He was the man who made the biggest and best influence on my beautiful wife.
    Garland was a perfect man, who could be serious at times, and be a trickster at others. Great man who, when I knew him didn’t take himself too seriously.

  2. So sorry for the loss of Garland. He was a kind and gentle man. I always enjoyed my visits with Uncle Garland.

  3. my uncle garland had been a positive factor in my entire life ha was always like a cousin to me being close to my age condolences to marge and family jacqueline meiers sagen hunt

  4. Garland was my Dads best friend, they grew up together, along with their wives they took trips together, they played games together, and hunted together, I watched and learned what true friendship is. When Garland retired and moved to Devils Lake I also had the pleasure of working with him when he would help us on the farm. He was a gentleman and inspiration to be around. Some of my best memories are our deer hunting gatherings in the fall, it was more about being together as friends than the hunt. Every year we would hand out the eye patch award to who ever had the best shot when we had our cook out in the shop after the bid hunt . Great memories of a man I respected and loved.

  5. I wish I could have seen Garland in recent years. We did remain lifelong friends and I cherish that. He always told me he loved me and I loved him. We had many cherished memories of which I am thankful for. Garland was a true dedicated Christian man and it showed. He was a very special person and a good grandpa to Erin. I will miss his smiling face. God took his hand and walked him home. Rest in peace Garland.

  6. We have fond memories of Uncle Garland and we really enjoyed the hunting and fishing times together. He always had a good story to tell. He was a kind and good man. Dave & Patty Owens


Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle

Accessibility Tools
hide