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Sara J. Keller

June 5, 1961 ~ April 19, 2026

Sara’s service will be livestreamed below starting at 2:00 PM Friday, May 1, 2026.

Sara Jean (Beithon) Keller, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister of West Fargo, ND passed away on April 19, 2026. Sara was born on June 5, 1961, in St. Paul, MN and was raised in Wahpeton, ND by her loving parents, Dorie (Gisvold) and Don Holen. She attended Wahpeton High School and Minnesota State University Moorhead, receiving a degree in Medical Coding. On August 29, 1987, Sara married the love of her life, Richard “Rick” Keller. They later moved to Horace ND where they raised their three sons. Sara was up to the challenge of being a stay-at-home mom and especially enjoyed the task of neighborhood taxi, which involved shuttling her boys and their friends from one activity to the other – weighing in on the best gossip during the drive. When the boys were grown, she worked in the front office of West Fargo High School.

Sara was an adored woman with a kind heart. She was a friend to all who met her and could spend hours chatting after a chance encounter, never hesitating to make time to listen and give advice. Consistent with her dislike of sitting still, she had a passion for swimming and running, including participating in the Fargo Half-Marathon and other long-distance races.

She cherished her time at Ottertail Lake every summer, which, over many years, included summer jobs, boating, bonfires, music, dancing, and enjoying good company. If the weather was nice anytime between Memorial Day and Labor Day, Sara wished she was there, and she ensured lasting memories were made for multiple generations at The Lake.

Above all else, Sara was a devoted wife and mother who valued spending time with her family. She took great pride in raising her children, and she was instrumental in who they became because she cared deeply about their passions and activities. If her children were participating, she was attending. Indeed, she could often be found in the bleachers or on the field, cheering for her boys and all the other West Fargo Packers. 

Sara is survived by her devoted husband of 38 years, Rick; her three sons, Ross (Ryan), Austin (Becca), and Carson (Taylor); her granddaughter, Nora; her two siblings, Kristi (Ron) Heilman, Joel (Melissa)Beithon; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loving family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Dorie and Don Holen and her brother Richard “Rich” Beithon.

To all of those she loved, please join us celebrating her life for a memorial gathering on Friday, May 1, 2026, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, ND. Visitation will be at 1:00 PM with a service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the Memory Café in Fargo https://memorycaferrv.org/donate/

Services

Visitation: Friday, May 1, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

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

701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com

Memorial Service: Friday, May 1, 2026 2:00 pm

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

701-237-6441
https://boulgerfuneralhome.com

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Charities

The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in Sara J. Keller 's name.

Memory Cafe

3910 25th St S

Fargo,

North Dakota

701-404-6712

memorycaferrv.org

Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Beth Stelton (Hinrichs-Swenson) says:

    My heart was broken to hear the loss of a beautiful person since I have known since 6th grade. She loved her family and her mom Dorie very much. We attended Junior High and High school together and always hugged each other when we crossed paths. My deepest sympathies to all.

    Beth Stelton & Steve Stelton
    Class of “79

  2. So saddened to hear of the loss of Sara…. Someone I’ve known my whole life. Our mother’s were best friends for years. Hugs and love to the family. Kris

  3. Jerry and Cheryl Keller says:

    Our love and sympathy to all of you on the loss of your beautiful wife and mother, Sara. Treasure your many wonderful memories. Be assured of our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God’s Blessings.

  4. I worked with Sara at Sanford in the phone bank and she always had a smile on her face and always was so nice. She loved her family so much. Many prayers sent to her family. May she rest in peace.

  5. We are thinking of you and family. Our deepest sympathies.

    Melissa Schmitt & Family

  6. Amy Donnan Neppl and Brian Neppl says:

    I’m sad and shocked to hear you are gone, Sara. Sending our love and support Rick and family.

  7. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    Cindy Keller and Scott Keller

  8. Kristy and Mitch Nielson says:

    Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. Sara was a beautiful person. Sara leaves a legacy of love, kindess and strength.

  9. Carrie & Lyndon Binde says:

    We were so sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. We will be keeping your entire family in our thoughts & prayers. Love, Carrie & Lyndon Binde

  10. So saddened to hear of Saras passing. So many wonderful memories growing up. Birthday parties, sleepovers, swim team and just hanging out with friends. Always a great pleasure when I would see her at swim meets when our children were competing. Sara was such a kind person and I will cherish those memories. May she rest in peace and enjoy seeing those thst have gone before us.
    Love,
    Brenda (Braun) Munson

  11. My sympathies to Rick and Families.

  12. Sara was and will forever be a blessing to our family. She loved us, her in-laws and we loved her dearly!!
    I will love Sara forever!! Love you my brother Rick and family 🩷🩷🩷

  13. My beautiful Aunt Sara.
    I will treasure you always. I will always remember the time you let me borrow your black Express dress. And when I went to give it back to you you told me I could keep it. I felt like the luckiest girl on Earth to have one of your dresses. I still have it in my closet and will treasure it forever. I also remember the time I babysat the boys (I’m not sure how much I actually babysat but just liked hanging with you) and instead of paying me you took me on a shopping spree and I got a really cool hat from Eddie Bauer. A few years later while canoeing at Keller Kamp I lost my hat in the river and Uncle Dave saved it for me. I still have that hat too and think of you every time I wear it.

  14. To Sara’s family,
    I remember when I worked at NDSCS with Dorie in the dental department. I met Sarah a few times when she came to visit and Dorie talked lovingly about her kids all the time. My sympathies to her family.
    Karen Eichhorn

  15. Kristi and Ron, my sincere condolences to you and your family. Sad.

  16. My sympathies to the family. She was a sweet human being. Gone way too soon. ❤️💔❤️

  17. My sympathies to Rick and her children. Sarah was a very caring and sincere person. Lots of memories growing up with Sarah. May you find comfort in your memories. Bev Ballweber Reiff

  18. I’ve known Sara all her life and can’t believe that she is gone. I’m thinking of you, Rick and the boys, and of course Joel and Kristi and their families, too. So many memories. Gone too soon.

    Connie (George) Nelson

  19. While I didn’t know your mother Austin, I feel that I learned about her through you – your kindness, generosity of spirit, and giving nature are evident to all of your colleagues. May the love and memories you shared bring you and your family comfort during this very difficult time. – MT

  20. I was so shocked to hear about Sara! I am so sad for Rick and her kids and grandkids … Sara was so special, so involved with her kids’ lives! I enjoyed talking with her and Rick when they’d come to Horace Elementary…Sara was so proud of her boys! She will live on in them. My heartfelt sympathy!

  21. So sorry to hear about the loss of Sarah! We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers! Hold those memories near and dear to your heart! ❤️ Mark and Mary Jo (Murray) Pearson

  22. I was so sad to hear of Sara’s death. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

  23. Rick and family: I know dementia is never easy on anyone. Hopefully, you can find peace knowing Sara is healed now and will be watching over all of you. Rest easy my friend! Your memory will live on forever!

  24. Rick, Carson and the rest of the family, So sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. She was a beautiful human in every way. I am so happy she was part of the village where we raised our daughters. She was a friend and role model to our family — through the swim community, at the high school office, and later when we would catch up on our 2015 Grad’s life events in the Family Wellness locker room. She always had a kind and caring word. Prayers for comfort and Peace.

  25. Rick, Ross, Austin, and Carson,
    I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful wife and mom. She was just wonderful…involved and kind and always easy to talk to. Sara was so proud of all of you and I’m sure you’re the people you are today because of her love and guidance. I feel honored to have known her as a parent at Horace Elementary over all the years you boys were there. I’m sending prayers for comfort and peace….Suzanne Schultz

  26. Melissa pederson
    She was an awesome person she made my first day at west Fargo high very welcoming going to miss her

  27. So very sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. I got to know her when she would come in to visit her mom at St Francis. Always so pleasant and kind. Deepest sympathy to all who loved her.

  28. I am so sorry to hear about Sara’s passing. I had the pleasure of getting to know Sara when we worked together at WFHS. She was an amazing, funny, sweet soul. She talked often of her family and how much she loved her boys. She brought a light and kindness wherever she went. ❤️

  29. Our hearts, love and prayers go out to Rick & boys and family on the Sorrow and loss of Sara. May you all your memories of Sara fill you hearts with love.

    Prayers: Debbie and Andy Albrecht

  30. I was so sad to read about Sara’s passing. I worked with her, at times, at WFHS. It was such a joy to go to the office and be greeted by her smile or a friendly hello. You truly could tell she liked her job. She always took time to acknowledge my presence. May she Rest in Peace. Heaven gained an Angel the day the Lord took her home. 🙏
    My sincere sympathies to her entire family.

  31. I remember Sara from the school and from meeting her when I had her son Austin in class. I will always remember Austin as a bright star and such an innovative person and I’m sure a lot of that came from his mom. My condolences are with the family. I know that she lives through you.

  32. She was good person for West Fargo high School back in 1996 to 2002 when I was in school When I graduated in 2000
    You’ll miss sara

  33. I am so sorry for your loss. Sara was a ‘warm friendly smile’ whenever I happened to see her.

  34. I am so sorry to hear of Sara’s passing. A wonderful caring Mom and so proud of her great boys at Horace Elem. She was so kind and took great care of them. My sincere condolences to her family.

  35. I knew Sara when I went to west Fargo high school in my ninth and tenth grade years she was the kindness woman ever


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