Casper Haag, 90, Richardton died Wednesday, February 11, 2009 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Mont. Casper’s funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2009 at River of Life Church International, Dickinson, with Rev. James Hessler and Pastor Dave Skjoldal officiating. Interment will take place at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Mandan with military honors provided by the VFW Honor Guard Post #1326. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sunday at Ladbury Funeral Service with the family present to greet friends. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Monday.

Casper Haag was born on the family homestead in Richardton to Joseph and Veronica (Schutzman) Haag on July 22, 1918. He attended country school and in March of 1942 entered the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country during World War II as part of the Greatest Generation having served in Normandy, Northern France and the Rhineland. He served three years before receiving his honorable discharge as a staff sergeant on Dec. 6, 1945.

Casper returned home, taking over the family farm 11 miles north of Richardton. After his return from war, Casper met the love of his life, Irene Kottenbrock. They were married in Haymarsh on April 26, 1949.  Casper and Irene brought nine children into the world to share their life. After the kids left to start their own families, he decided to retire and scale back. He kept his favorite John Deere tractors and raised enough feed for his small herd of cattle; he started raising horses, as well, when he was in his 80’s. He loved the farm life so much that he stayed until he was 88 years old.

Casper made a decision to make Jesus his Lord and Savior and had the assurance of spending eternity in heaven.

Casper is survived by his loving wife, Irene, Richardton; a sister, Barbara Hardy, Oregon City, Ore.; and his children: James (Eileen) Haag, Knoxville, Tenn., Charlotte (Skip) Archibald, Helena, Mont., Gery (Palmyra) Haag, Johnston, Iowa, Charles (Rebecca) Haag, Bismarck, Sharon (Russell) Schauer, Regent, Diane (Eric) Schultz, Almont, and Michael (Laurie) Haag, Dickinson; 22 grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers John, Louie, and sisters Eva, Isabelle, Rose, Katherine, Magdalene, Maryann, and two beloved children, daughter Karen and son Tracy.