June Sakshaug

June M. Sakshaug, 94, peacefully passed away on June 24, 2023. The funeral will be held 1 p.m. Friday, June 30 at Touchmark Chapel, Bismarck, visitation one hour before the service. Burial will follow at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan.

June was the first of twin girls born January 19, 1929, to Jay and Gurina Olney in Lark, ND.  They moved to North Valley City, ND and she graduated from Valley City High School and Valley City State College with a B.S. in Education.  June taught in Grand Forks for a couple years.  She met Arnold Sakshaug in Fargo and they married in Valley City on July 3, 1952.  After residing in Delaware and Indiana for a short time, they moved to Bismarck, ND.  June taught at Saxvik grade school for many years.  After retirement, June and Arnold traveled throughout the United States and spent winters in Apache Junction, AZ.  She enjoyed playing bridge, attending Bible studies, Sons of Norway, and traveling. 

Preceding her in death are her parents; her brothers, Roland Olney and Ward Olney; her loving husband, Arnold; and her daughter, Joan Bahr. She is also preceded in death by several nieces and nephews, along with many lifelong friends.

Surviving her is her twin sister, Jean Bell, Redlands, CA; daughters, Lynn (Loren) Johnson, Kenmare, ND, and Dawn (Joe) Elis, Gold Canyon, AZ; son-in-law, Kevin Bahr; grandchildren, Mark (Kristin) Gehringer, Melissa (Kris) Knous, Dan (Trisha) Bahr, Rebecca (RJ) Picchioni, Kristin (Steven) McDonald, Ryan Moore, Jesse Elis and Miranda Elis and their families; great-grandchildren, Anthony and Audrey Gehringer, Keaton, Brady, Nelia Knous, Archer, Danielle and Elizabeth Picchioni, Tanner, Caleb, Parker McDonald, and Heaven Crawley.  She also leaves behind a special couple, George and Kelly Crawley and their family.

June had a special place in her heart for the staff at Touchmark, commenting “how nice they are.” Her family also extends a heartfelt thank you to CaringEdge hospice, Divine Helpers, Pastor Julie Anderson (Good Shepherd) and to all the staff at Touchmark. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Mom, you got your white cloak from Christ, and now you can enjoy eternity with Arnie and your family.