by Naomi Zalabak

Mavis and Bill Sager. (Photo: Tom Amos)

Bill and Mavis Sager were married September 2, 1951, at Oakdale Sanitarium, Oakdale, Iowa. After graduating from high school, Mavis worked in this Sanitarium where her mother was a patient.

During their early years together, Bill drove a delivery truck for Loma Linda Foods and owned a service station in Iowa. In December 1958, he sold the station and began working for the denomination at Oak Park Academy in Nevada, Iowa, where he wore several hats. Among them were: operator of a commercial laundry that serviced motels, hotels, and the hospital in the area; assistant boys’ dean; and bus driver for student trips. In 1965, he helped build and administer a 70-bed nursing home on campus that provided work for students.

In 1967, Highland Hospital, Portland, Tenn., called Bill to be administrator. During the 12 years he served there, the Sager’s five children grew up, and Bill became involved with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee, Rotary, and other community organizations.

In 1979, Bill accepted a call to become the administrator of Walker Memorial Hospital in Avon Park. He continued his involvement with Rotary and Salvation Army, and he served on hospital boards. He was also in charge of the building of Florida Hospital Lake Placid.

Bill and Mavis so loved their church family and the community they chose Avon Park as their place of retirement in 1991. For a number of years afterward, Bill served as treasurer for Walker Memorial Academy and, until this year, Mavis served as Sabbath School superintendent.

The Sagers have five children: Mark, Kyle, Scott, Jan, Brent, and Pat; 16 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.