Julie Sager

Julie Ann Sager, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home in Missoula, Montana, on April 16, 2025, after a courageous battle with metastatic melanoma. She was 56 years old.

Born on February 17, 1969, in Maryville, Tennessee, Julie grew up with a zest for life and a deep love for family, friends, and community. Her warmth, kindness, and compassion left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Julie’s friends often referred to her as “The Dancing Queen”, as she would never pass up an opportunity to break into joyful dance!

Julie poured her heart into her career as an early childhood educator, creating classrooms filled with love, laughter, and discovery. After graduating from Pacific Lutheran University, she taught first grade at Sunrise Elementary School in Puyallup, Washington. When she and Scott moved to Missoula, she taught Kindermusik at her home studio. The studio was part of a large addition to their home that was designed and spearheaded by her father.  She then was the director of Immanuel Lutheran Preschool for 17 years. She also tutored many children online across the country and the world. She saw the potential in every child, making each feel special and valued. Her dedication to nurturing young minds was an extension of the abundant love she gave to her own family.

Julie’s greatest joys were her husband, Scott, and their two children, Maddie and Nate. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. She adored her parents, siblings, and extended family, who stood by her side with unwavering love and support throughout her journey.

Her courage and grace in the face of adversity inspired everyone around her. Whether it was through the countless flowers and cards she received during her hospital stays, or the kindness of friends and family who rallied around her, Julie’s life was a testament to the power of connection and the goodness of people.

Julie’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and friends: her devoted husband, Scott Sager; her children, Maddie and Nate Sager (wife Natalie Sager); her parents, Allen and Sally Vraspir; her siblings, Pete Vraspir (wife Erin Kavanaugh) and Kristi Fischer (husband Mike Fischer); her in-laws Ron and Marsha Sager, her sister-in-law Nikole Jansen (husband Andy Jansen), her nieces and nephews Drew and Allie Jansen, Sasha, Adelle and Lily Vraspir, Cole and Garrett Fischer, her extended family, and countless others whose lives she touched.

A celebration of Julie’s life will be held on Saturday, May 24, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Missoula Montana at 11am. In honor of Julie’s legacy, the family asks that you carry her spirit forward by practicing acts of kindness and love in your own communities. Any financial contributions can be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Preschool, or The Missoula Food Bank.

Julie Ann Sager was our rock, a steadfast source of strength, stability, and love. Though her time with us feels too brief, her legacy of kindness and generosity will endure. We are all better for having known her.

Rest in peace, Julie.