Arlene Jane Sax, 95, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away peacefully at Sanford Broadway Medical Center on April 9, 2025 surrounded by loving family.
Arlene was born on August 14, 1929, in Watford City, North Dakota, to Arleton and Alice (Gunderson) Sax. She was baptized and confirmed at Banks Lutheran Church. Arlene received her early education at the Gamache and Banks rural schools and graduated from Watford City High School in 1948.
She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics from North Dakota State University in 1952, and later returned to NDSU to complete a Master of Science degree in Food and Nutrition in 1972. In 1953, she completed a Dietetic Internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Her professional career as a dietitian took her to Rochester, Minnesota, and Madison, Wisconsin, before she spent 20 years at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo, retiring in 1986.
Arlene was a dedicated member of the American Dietetic Association, the North Dakota Dietetic Association, and the Fargo-Moorhead Area Dietetic Association. She was also a faithful member of First Lutheran Church in Fargo.
A proud NDSU alumna, Arlene was a devoted fan and loyal supporter of Bison athletics. She especially enjoyed NDSU football—both attending games and cheering from home.
Arlene was the first grandchild born on both sides of her family. She is survived by her sister, Gayle Lysne and her husband, Stanley Jaeger; her brother, Carroll Sax and his wife, Michon; sisters-in-law, Anita Sax and Patricia Sax; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and their families. Each one held a special place in her heart—she took joy in their lives and loved hearing about their daily activities. They loved her deeply in return.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant son; her brothers, Sherwin, Thoral, and Gary Sax; her sister, Merilyn Smith; brothers-in-law, Phillip Lysne and James Smith; niece, Jennifer Sax; and infant sister, Alice.
A family burial will take place at Banks Lutheran Church Cemetery at a later date.