Marie Elizabeth Hager, 80, of Rugby, passed away Saturday, January 13 at the Souris Valley Care Center in Velva.

Marie Elizabeth Kuntz was born August 6, 1937 in Balfour, the middle child to Martin & Magdalena “Lena” (Bischoff) Kuntz.

She was raised on the family farm near Berwick. She attended Berwick Public School until seventh grade. She worked in Rugby and Wadena MN for a brief time. Marie was united in marriage to Donald Hager on September 15, 1962 at Little Flower Catholic Church in Rugby. They made their home and farmed southeast of Orrin raising their five children there.

Homemaking was her life, making it possible for her to be an avid gardener, great cook and wonderful baker; all of which she proudly shared with family, friends and for group functions. She enjoyed crocheting and gave many afghans as gifts. Holidays and birthdays were very important and she did all she could to make everyone feel special, including sending greeting cards. She loved traveling, jumping on Amtrak with her sister Lorraine and taking quick trips with her daughter LeAnn. She adored their only granddaughter Kaitlyn.

Marie was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Orrin until its closing in 2008. She had fond memories of the many church suppers and card parties. She was a member of Christian Mothers and the Homemakers Club for many years, taking

pride and sharing in all the projects the group created.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years; children Cheryl, Balta; Bradley (Karmen), Drummond MT; Tamara (Ted) Mertz, Anamoose; LeAnn, overseas and Brent (Terri Barley), family farm, Rugby; granddaughter Kaitlyn (Brandon) Weidert, Richardton; sisters Beatrice Schmaltz and Lorraine (Kunnanz) Mundahl, Rugby; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers-in-law August Schmaltz, Hygenus “Gene” Kunannz and Darold Mundahl.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 17^th at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Esmond with spring burial in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Orrin.  Father Brian Bachmeier, Celebrant

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday with a rosary and vigil prayer service starting at 7 p.m., all in the Anderson Funeral Home, Rugby.  Reviewal will take place in the church for one hour prior to the time of service at the Church