Roger Ray Haag

The youngest of thirteen children Roger grew up on a farm in Manning, North Dakota. He left the farm at age 17 to serve his country which he did so for the next 37 years. During his time at boot camp, his unit was mobilized for the Cuban crisis. In 1965 he went to work for the National Guard as an Admin Supply Tech, GS5. In 1967 he took a job in Aberdeen, South Dakota as a GS7. In April of 1975, he was elected president of the South Dakota Enlisted Association. After being stationed in South Dakota for 11 years, he left for Sioux City, IA where he was promoted to Sergeant Major E9. In 1979, he was appointed to Warrant Officer CW2, and shortly after accepted a full-time active duty position. He always was furthering his education by attending 16 different military schools. The final years of his service had him with only one more rank to achieve; Master Warrant 5. This was the final and highest warrant officer position. There were 824 applicants for this advanced rank. Of those only 27 people were selected with Roger being one of them. He retired in 1997 as Chief Warrant Officer 5. During his time in the military his service was both decorated and distinguished.

In his retirement years, he drove a bus for children with disabilities. He did this in honor of his sister, Rosemary who had epilepsy and whom he cared for on the farm growing up. Driving these children brought him so much joy. Occasionally he would earn a bonus for driving and would split it with all the kids. He loved to see them smile when they received the bonus! Additionally to his retirement, he worked for the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, in Iowa City, IA.

Roger was an avid lifetime outdoorsman. He loved spending time hunting and fishing. Two of his favorite locations were Webster, SD and Lost Nation, IA. After a year of cancer treatment and having to relearn how to walk, he surprised everyone including his doctors by climbing into a tree stand one last time. He was determined to beat all the odds and get another deer. At age 78 he did just that. Other memorable hunting trips were to Canada for moose and to Sitka, Alaska, where he caught a 230lb halibut. Roger had a special gift for storytelling, and was always the first one to help someone in need, and loved creating fun wherever he went. He loved all sports and enjoyed watching his beloved Packers, Yankees, Lakers, and Hawkeyes.

Roger encouraged all his children to achieve a great education and follow what they loved to do. He played major roles in the lives of his grandkids and great-grandkids. He always wanted to teach them life lessons and took the time to play games with them. He loved his marriage to his wife of 49 years, Diane. They found laughter through the good times and the bad. They leaned on their faith during difficult times. They would say the rosary daily and pray together nightly for their family. This was the foundation of their lives.

He would often say, “If I died tomorrow, know I lived a great life!” and he would tell us kids, “Let God lead your life and you’ll be alright. Trust in God.”

He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Haag; beloved children, Kevin (Yuko) Sasse, Matthew Haag, Marie (Steve) Maynard, Nathan Haag. His adoring grandchildren are, Niki, Spencer, Maya and Hope ; 3 great-grandchildren, Masen, Mai, and Millie. Two surviving sisters, Lorraine (Eddie) Binstock, Dickinson, North Dakota, and Jeanette (Norman) Eggebraten, Seymour, Tennessee.

Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, May 11th, 2023 at 10:45 AM at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, Gilbert Arizona. A celebration of life luncheon will follow the funeral service at 1:00 PM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park located at 400 South Power Road, Mesa AZ, 85206.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Haag family.