Duane Sailer

A Liturgy of the Word for Duane Sailer, 78, of Dickinson will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 10, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Visitation for Duane will be from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., Thursday, July 9, 2026 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a Rosary and Time of Sharing being held at 6:00 p.m. Visitation will resume an hour prior to the service on Friday.

Duane James Sailer, 78, passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 14, 2026, in the home he loved in Dickinson, North Dakota. Duane was born on December 1, 1947, in Hebron, North Dakota, the only son of Oscar and Esther (Boehler) Sailer. He attended Hebron Public School and Hebron High School, graduating in 1966.

While growing up in Hebron, Duane met Linda Kuntz. Their friendship blossomed during college, where they spent countless hours studying together and playing ping pong. They were married on December 27, 1969, beginning a partnership that would span more than 54 years.

Duane enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve while living in Fargo. After their marriage, Duane and Linda moved to Dickinson to be closer to family and Linda began her career at The Dickinson Press. Their early years together required sacrifice, as Duane frequently traveled between Fargo and Dickinson while fulfilling his military commitments. After a time, Duane transferred to the North Dakota National Guard in Dickinson.

Duane and Linda welcomed their son, Mark, in 1971 and their daughter, Carrie, in 1980. Raising their family brought Duane some of the happiest years of his life. Baseball games, camping trips, and countless evenings around the card table playing Blitz, Gin Rummy, and Pinochle created treasures memories.

Throughout his working years, Duane held various jobs in Dickinson, including work with local businesses and managing an apartment building. He worked hard to provide for his family, but those who knew him understood that his true priorities were always Linda, Mark, and Carrie. His life revolved around the people he loved most. He could often be found carrying Linda's camera bag while she interviewed someone for a story. His last job before retirement was working in the back shop of The Dickinson Press, which he greatly enjoyed.

His parents taught him the love of bowling, and he also developed a passion for playing pool. He became a remarkably skilled player, so good that he could guide the game just enough to let his children and grandchildren believe they had won by their own skill.

Linda's death on July 31, 2024, left a profound void in Duane's life. Though he missed her deeply, he remained devoted to his family and found his greatest joy in time spent with his children and grandchildren. He also spent countless hours watching old westerns, classic television shows, and game shows.

Duane treasured his relationships with his grandchildren. He took Julian fishing for the first time and shared many bowls of their favorite mint chocolate chip ice cream. Duane also enjoyed spending the winter months in California with Mark and Melissa and their family. Those winters provided precious time with his grandchildren, Alex and Cassie, playing pool, watching TV game shows, and creating memories that will be cherished for years to come.

Duane will be remembered for his devotion to family, his quiet kindness, and his unwavering love for those closest to him. He found happiness not in grand accomplishments, but in the simple joys of being with the people he loved. He was the father and grandfather who sat on the ground and played cars, blocks, Legos, and board games without complaint for hours.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda, and his parents, Oscar and Esther Sailer.

He is survived by his son, Mark Sailer and daughter-in-law, Melissa Sailer of Foothill Ranch, CA, and daughter Carrie Sailer and son-in-law, Daniel Toms of West Linn, OR; and three beloved grandchildren, Alexander Sailer, Cassandra Sailer, and Julian Toms, and many extended family and friends who miss him dearly.

Duane's family takes comfort in knowing he is reunited with his beloved wife and parents, and that his legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the countless memories they shared together.