Russell Sayler

Russell H. Sayler, 67, Bismarck, the heart and soul of the Sayler Family passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on January 1, 2024. Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 5 at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck. Visitation will be held one hour prior.

Burial will be held at Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck.

Russell was born June 18, 1956, to Asoph and Esther (Pfeifle) Sayler in Aberdeen, SD. After losing his mother at an early age, he and his father moved several times ending up in Aurora, Illinois. Russell then moved to Bismarck in 1970 and resided with his sister, Cynthia and Kenneth Fetch, where Cynthia raised Russell as her own.

He met the love of his life, Kathleen Conlin, while working at the Bonanza restaurant.

Russell graduated from Bismarck High School in 1974. He attended the North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton to pursue a degree in Electrical Technology. He then joined IBEW Local 714 and obtained his journeyman license. He worked on many large projects in Bismarck as well as in the Minneapolis area. He then received his Master Electrical License and pursued the Electrical Contracting business. Russell ran Sayler Electric for many years along with his sons.  He then decided to put down his tools and pass down his knowledge of the trade to a new generation by taking an Electrical Instructor’s position at Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates where he worked until retiring in 2016.

Russell enjoyed hunting and fishing with his kids and spending time with his wife. His most cherished memories were made at the cabin on Lake Tschida. He always offered a helping hand to anyone. He put others first, rarely thinking of himself. He was a true family man that worked hard to provide and to be there for anyone that needed it. This is how he lived and this is how he will be remembered by those that knew and loved him.

He had a very special relationship with his nieces, Kim Feist and Kerrie Helm, whom he considered to be his sisters.

Russell is survived by his loving wife of 48 years Kathleen; sons, Jon (Kelly) Sayler and James (Mindy) Sayler; loving daughter, Bethany (Jeff) Wolff; grandchildren, Justus, Adia, Jaden, Leland, Eddison, Jackson, and Riley; brother, Wayne Sayler, The Colony, TX; sisters, Rita (Dale) Loseth, Sumner, WA, and Cynthia, Bismarck.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Asoph and Esther; sister, Phyliss; and his eldest son, Jason.