Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 272209
Title: Anita L. Sax
Date: 10/15/1943-6/25/2026
Inscription/Marks: 10/15/1943
Summary: Anita L. Sax passed away peacefully at Bethel Lutheran Nursing Home in Williston, ND, on June 25, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her funeral service was held July 1, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Williston. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery in Williston. Anita was born on October 15, 1943, to Olaf and Ann (Forland) Fisketjon in Seattle, WA. She grew up in Watford City, ND, graduating high school there in 1961. She continued her education at the State Teachers College of Dickinson (now Dickinson State University), graduating with a teaching degree in 1964. During World War II, her parents contributed to the war effort before relocating the family to rural Watford City in 1945. Anita spent her childhood in western North Dakota, where her family lived and worked on several area ranches. Those early years helped shape the strong work ethic, resilience, and caring nature that defined her throughout her life. Anita was 10 years old when her only sister, Julie, was born in 1954. Affectionately known as "Nita," she lovingly helped care for Julie while their parents were at work, becoming like a second mother to her little sister. Around 1955, their cousin Gloria came to live with them and quickly became like a sister to them both. Anita also developed a lifelong love of reading. Julie fondly recalls her sneaking a flashlight under the covers to read long past bedtime. She had a gift for friendship, forming close bonds in school that lasted throughout her life.  Anita married her high school sweetheart, Gary Sax, in 1965, and together they built a life centered on family. Their journey took them to Alabama, where they welcomed their first daughter, Jennifer, back to North Dakota, where their son, Michael, was born, and then to Colorado, where they welcomed their daughter, Amie. They eventually returned to North Dakota, where they made their home and raised their family.  Anita dedicated many years of her career to the United States Customs Department in Williston, where she was known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to public service. She took great pride in her work and earned the respect of her colleagues throughout her career. Even in retirement, Anita enjoyed staying active and continued working for Preble Medical, where she loved the work she did and the connections she made. A lifelong reader, Anita built an impressive collection of books and rarely passed up the chance to add another to her shelves. She also enjoyed tackling word puzzles and shopping, always coming home with a new find. Anita cherished her grandchildren and loved celebrating their accomplishments and special moments. Most recently, her great-granddaughters brought her endless joy, and she eagerly awaited the arrival of her first great-grandson, who is expected any day. Anita was known for her generous spirit and willingness to help others. Family members knew they could always count on her for support, encouragement, and a listening ear. She quietly gave of herself without expecting anything in return, and her kindness touched the lives of many. Those who knew Anita often commented on her beautiful smile, which reflected the warmth and kindness she carried with her wherever she went.  Anita is survived by her son, Michael (Mary) of Clarksville, TN; her daughter, Amie (Mark) Peterson of Glasgow, MT; Her sister, Julie (Mike) Marsland of Black Hawk, SD; grandchildren, Nicholas, Hannah (Nathaniel) Rassier, Abby (Michael) Wagner, and Teagan; and great-granddaughters, Avonlea and Emelia Rassier. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Olaf and Ann; her husband, Gary; and her daughter, Jennifer.
Red ID: FND_I_79701 Image ID: 577088 Image Notes: FND001 272209

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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