Grace Sager's Obituary
Grace M. Sager (nee Velicer) passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side on April 28, 2014. Grace was the beautiful mother of five children: Scott Sager, Sheila (Loren) Soyk, Sue (Steve) Priebe, Sara (Mike) Ballwanz, and Shirley (Eric) Zahn. One of Grace's greatest joys was her ten grandchildren: Robyn (Ray) La Barge, Justin Sager, Kyle (special friend Trina) and Monica Soyk, Madeleine (Mady) and Miles Priebe, Brandon (fiancee Nora) and Mitchell Ballwanz, and Camille and Nash Zahn. Grace's grandchildren adored her and she never missed an opportunity to attend their sporting events and school activities. Her love of music and singing had an influence on them.
Grace grew up on a farm in rural Pilsen, WI. She attended school in Luxemburg WI and then went on to be a personal secretary. She met the love of her life, Lyle Sager, at the wedding of her sister. They were married on May 10, 1958. Grace and Lyle were soul mates and were married for 56 years.
Grace was a floral designer at Flowers by David in Ripon, and spent many happy hours creating arrangements and craft items. Her handiwork was appreciated by many. Grace had been a past Women's Club president in Ripon. She was the founder of the Patriot Ladies group and enjoyed many lovely lunches with these dear friends. Grace was known as the "cookie maker", and her talent for baking was shared with many.
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, Lucille and Wencil Velicer, and her in-laws, Ernest and Emily Sager. Additionally, by her brother Myron Velicer, brother-in-law John McMillan, and sister-in-law, Lenore Miller.
Grace is survived by her other siblings, Delores (Bill) Kuehl, Quentin (Paulette) Velicer, Marlene McMillan, and her sister-in-law Janet Velicer.
Grace was a member of St. Raphael the Archangel Catholic Church. She enjoyed singing in the choir there when she was able.
Grace battled cancer for two years and received amazing care from her oncologist Dr. Dar and the staff at the Lombardi Cancer Center. She also spent many hours at Aurora Medical Center and was lovingly cared for by so many angels on second floor. The family owes a debt of gratitude to everyone who took such good care of her
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