Mark Sager

Funeral services for 57-year old Mark Sager are Sat, May 7, 2022 at 10:00 at the Batesland School Gymnasium in Batesland, SD, with Fred Wellnitz officiating, traditional Lakota services by Chris Brooks, and Eulogy by Jon Alpert

Burial is at the Extension Church Cemetery in Beaver Wall, NE

A one-night wake service starts Friday, May 6, at 4:00 at the Batesland School Gymnasium.

Mark Sager was born on March 2, 1965 to Vernon and Carol Sager in Martin, SD, and made his journey to the Spirit World on April 21, 2022 in Porcupine, SD.

Mark grew up on the family ranch in Porcupine and his passion was the love of horses and rodeos. He attended grade school in Batesland and high school in Gordon, NE, where he graduated in 1984. 

Mark spent summers on the family ranch helping in the hay field when not rodeoing, and after graduation made his home in Porcupine, where he continued to work with horses and cattle. 

He was part of the Oglala Lakota College Rodeo Club and was a mentor to the young men aspiring to become bronc riders. Mark was an outstanding bronc rider. He rode in the SDRA, the PRCA rodeo circuit and many local rodeos. He earned many buckles as he awed the crowd with his skills.

 Mark was a horse whisperer. His skills with training horses was phenomenal. He was the happiest when he was on horseback and all of nature was his church. 

Mark was a gentle soul with a love for all living things. He loved music and loved to play his guitar and sing. He is going to be missed by everyone who knew him.

Mark is survived by his father, Vernon Sager of Rushville, NE; brothers Mike Deckert of Porcupine, SD and Bill Deckert Jr of Central, NE; sisters Tina (Doug) Dutenhoeffer of Huron, SD and Leslie (Wayne) Reeves of Rushville, NE; his Honey, her grandchildren & children, Kelli Mousseau of Porcupine, SD, Lilliana, Leonard Ferguson, John Kelly Fraser, Drake Kalisa, Cali Love Little Sky, & Simone Little Sky, and Tevin Little Sky, Mahpiya Little Sky, Saige Little Sky, Alexander Eagle Elk, and Grace Eagle Elk; estranged wife & children, Devona Lone Wolf of Martin, SD and Tashina & Janeen Jackson, both of California, Michael Whirlwind Horse of Sioux Falls, SD, Jon Alpert; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived Jeffrey Whirlwind Horse of Martin, SD; long-time friend and filmmaker who celebrated and immortalized Mark’s special talents and accomplishments, 

Mark was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Sager; grandparents Clifford & Sybil Sager and John & Helen Majeski; close rodeo friend James Faulk; and mentors Howard Hunter and Frank Grooms.

Pallbearers will be Dillon Holeman, Damian Holeman, Billy Deckert, Trey Hand, Dusty Hand, Shane Clifford, Jeffrey Whirlwind Horse, and Michael Whirlwind Horse, Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jon Alpert, Doug Dutenhoeffer, Mar Cummings, Louis (Iggy) Jealous of Him, Percy Lone Elk, Leonard Brown Eyes, Girard Brown Eyes, Landon Brown Eyes, Steve Woods, Dale Vocu & Family, Loren Cuny & family, Leonard Ferguson, Jr., Ray & Babe Runnels & family, Kevyn Little Sky, John Mahpiya Little Sky, Jr., Alexandra John Little Elk, Meeks Family, Hunter Family, Clifford Family, Clint May & family, Denise May & family, Chuck & Doug Lundean, Mark Cuny, Pay Mulcahy, Myron Heathershaw, Brian Red Bear, Julio McCall, Albert Curry, Michael Curry, Jeremy Amiotte, Arrow Curry, Shadow Blue Jensen, Jim Holeman, Rosie Freier, Dean Steele, Melvin Twiss, JL Trueblood, Louis Janis, David Janis, Barney Janis, Mark “Goose,” Tony Clifford, Andy Johnson, and All Friends & Family who loved him.

 Sioux Funeral Home in Pine Ridge, SD, is in charge of arrangements for Mark Sager.