Submit a PhotoJohn Martin Sarager was born July 22, 1949, to John and Marjorie Sarager as their second child, the oldest son of 9 children. Marty lived in Arizona his whole life, graduated from Arizona State University and owned his own businesses in the construction industry.
In 1971, Marty married Rhonda Shumway in the Mesa, Arizona temple. They were blessed to share 50 years of marriage and have 6 children: Andrea (Travis Caskey), Kristen (Mike Schern), John (Shenise Pendleton), Summer (Brad Cutchen), Todd (Lindsay Welker), and Ashley Sarager.
Marty was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As a 19-year-old young man, he served a full-time mission in Brazil. His favorite calling in the church was working with the youth where he dedicated many hours of loving service. Marty’s greatest joys in life were being surrounded by his family and his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Marty knew that families are forever.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, a brother, a daughter, and a granddaughter. His legacy will continue on through his 22 grandchildren.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, January 19th at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd. Gilbert, Arizona 85297 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be held the following day, Wednesday, January 20th at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church building at 3572 E. Guadalupe Rd. Gilbert, Arizona 85234. The viewing will begin at 9 am with funeral service starting at 10 am. Graveside service at Gilbert Memorial Park immediately following funeral service. Anyone who prefers to attend thru Zoom services please email ssarager@hotmail.com for a link.
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I have found memories of Uncle Marty. He was always so friendly and kind to me. He always came up to talk with me. He and his wife graciously offered their home for our wedding reception. He will be missed!
Love you Uncle Marty!
Martin was a great brother and friend. He enjoyed being a part of my life, interested in everything I did. He encouraged me to try new things and not be afraid of failing. He loved his family, always wanted everyone involved. He encouraged dreamers and financially supported them. His soft heart and his attitude that there was always room for one more made him endearing.
Martin taught me how to drive a stick shift in his red VW. He taught my all of my skills in basketball and loved coming to my games. We shared a room while he was in high school and I felt important in his life.
Martin has loved my children and has financially helped them by providing jobs and a listening hear. Martin is now with his Dad and they are building the “family compound” that they were going to build in this life. I am glad to be a part of his eternal family. love Andrew
Big hugs and love to the Sarager family.
We are sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. But I’m sure his Mom is happy to have him again. She was so proud of all her kids. Marty was a good young man, and altho we haven’t seen the family for a long time I’m sure he was a good man. We pray that the Lord will bless and comfort you at this time. We send our love Rhonda. Jimmie & Barbara James.
I love you Bro. Sarager. You had me as a YM when I was young and dumb. I’m forever grateful for your love and guidance. May God bless you and comfort your wonderful family at this time.
Brother Sarger was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. Loved being around him and talking to him. He will be missed dearly!
Our hearts and prayers are with you! Glad I was able to see you guys a couple of weeks ago at XJs! You will be in our prayers!
I was so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing, and send my love to Rhonda, their children, and to Marty’s brothers and sisters. Our families were great friends during my growing up years in Phoenix. Marty was my age and was always so kind and positive. We know the Lord’s plan and that it will all be okay in the end – but the missing is hard. May you all be blessed with peace and comfort. Lovingly, Connie Watkins Bluth
I’m so very sorry for your family’s heartbreaking loss. We have so many happy memories of your family! All our love and prayers to you all❤️??
My deepest condolences to the entire Sarager family. The passing of a loved one is always difficult.
My deepest sympathies to the Sarager family. From this family, I learned what a Christ-centered family could be. I am forever grateful for their acceptance of me and their example to me. They are no stranger to sorrow, but they live life joyfully. My heart goes out to Marty’s family.
We are so sorry about passing of John Martin
We have him in a very good remembrance
He and Rhonda were the first contact to our American family in 1980 at Frankfurt Airport
Love Ernst Margit Robert Stella Otto and Bruno
Marty, aka Joe Blood, was always kind and patient to allow a rambunctious teenager to spend so much time at his house and with his son. Joe blood was one of the guys and was there at my crossroads in life. He even employed a few of us once or twice on a demo crew. I’ll miss you my friend. God speed.
Much love to all my amazing Sarager friends. May you wrapped in the love of our dear Savior and know that the Evans thoughts and prayers are with you.
We are so sadden to hear of Marty’s passing. We send our love to Rhonda and the children and Sarager family.
We pray for your comfort at this time.
Love,
Paul and Ruth
We were saddened when we heard about Marty had passed away. We hope to be able to attend viewing, so many great memories come to us both for the friendship we have had with you both- From the time we were room mates at college with Rhonda- for Helen and for us both -for the many years we worked together in Church callings- so many memories. Love you both Brent & Helen Skinner
We were saddened to hear about Marty passing. Many great memories came to mind . Many fun times and the memories of us working with you both in Church callings. Marty will be greatly missed but never forgotten – a great Man. Our thoughts and love goes out to Rhonda & to the Sarager family. Brent & Helen Skinner
I was so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. My first thought was he can now be with his sweet baby and other loved ones. God bless your great family as they endure their loss.
Rhonda, I was saddened to hear of Marty passing beyond the veil. He will be sorely missed by his family, friends and the many lives he has touched during his earthly sojourn. I have always loved the Sarager and Shumway families. I pray that Heavenly Father will bless and comfort you all, now, and into the future. We love you.
With saddened hearts we pray for you all. But with joyful hearts remember the wonderful association we have had with you all. How precious it is at the time of a passing of a husband, father, grandfather and friend to know and understand the plan of salvation. May peace be with you all.
I can “hear” his voice and “see” his smile and focused look as I write this. He was always so kind to me and to our family. May heaven’s choicest blessings of comfort be with his wonderful family. We Niebur’s love the Saragers.
So sorry to learn of Marty’s passing. We love the Sarager family and have sweet memories of each of them. May the Lord comfort Rhonda, their children and the Sarager family. So thankful for Forever Families!
We enjoyed being in your home and for Marty’s influence in our lives and the lives of our boys during our home teaching visits. Marty was always good to share his feelings and testimony which helped our boys to feel the spirit and develop testimonies of their own. These will always be cherished memories. Love you guys!
Rhonda, I just now saw this. I am so very sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. What great memories of all those years ago in Phoenix. Would love to reconnect and have a catch-up visit. Sending love and hugs.