Arlyn Thomas Saagge

Arlyn Thomas Saagge passed away at home, dignified and surrounded by loved ones, on May 11th, 2026. He requested that we have a celebration of life this summer at a later date. 
“I made it to 80!” he proudly told so many loved ones.

Arlyn was born in Roseau, Minnesota, on October 30th, 1945. From that moment on, he had a need for speed. He was known for his laugh, his go-getter attitude, and his unbelievable strength. He was one of six children born to Genevieve (Nelson) and Tom Saagge. He grew into a strong, handsome man, attending school in Roseau before heading off to work. He developed a strong work ethic at Keine Farms in Kennedy and at the Air Force Base in Grand Forks.

Arlyn started his career at Polaris Industries in 1964. He worked in production but was quickly noticed for his creativity and ability to make something out of nothing. Those talents landed him in the engineering (race) department. As family, we heard he was a master fabricator, helped provide the baseline for snowmobile clutching, was a suspension guru, and THE original RXL builder. Along with fabricating and working as a sled mechanic, Arlyn also did some snowmobile racing himself, also helping to develop the first ATVS and watercrafts.

Arlyn met Phyllis (Finley) in 1964. He couldn’t take his eyes off her and always seemed to show up while she was working at Christy’s Café. Tan, good-looking, and mysterious with his dark glasses, he gave Phyllis butterflies. Before long, they were an item. On July 19th, 1965, they were married, and before long their kiddos came along. Arlyn was a good husband and a devoted, loving father who ALWAYS had his children’s backs.

Arlyn, Phyllis, Tammy, Darin, and Rodney moved to the farm in 1977, and after a while in 86’ their family was complete when Andrea came along. They spent countless hours working hard to fix up the house and yard. Arlyn enjoyed hunting, fishing, yard work, and gardening. He loved feeding the birds and was always an animal lover, giving several dogs a loving home over the years. Arlyn provided everyone with a world of storytelling, banter, and humor wherever he went. He was a true people person , who listened, and loved any chance he got to B.S. with friends and family.

He was known as one tough son of a gun, living through multiple surgeries and some wicked accidents. He retired from Polaris in 2006 but was quickly hired back as a subcontractor. After his true retirement in 2013, he was able to enjoy more time outdoors, gardening, and watching his beloved westerns. Arlyn peppered everyone’s lives with smiles. He was a true joy, a talented craftsman, and a colorful conversationalist. He will forever be loved and deeply missed.

Arlyn is survived by his wife, Phyllis (Finley), and their children: Tammy (David) Kohl of Badger; Darin Saagge of Roseau; Rodney Saagge of Warroad; and Andrea (Brent) Wiskow of Greenbush.
Grandchildren: Amber Van Coller, Benton Kohl, Hanna Saagge, Darius Sikorski, Dain Saagge, Olivia Saagge, and Finley Wiskow. Great-grandchildren: Bryce, Bethany, Roger, Maizy, and Tobias Thompson. His sister Loretta Monsrud and several amazing nieces and nephews. Best friend Burt Bassett and many other treasured friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Tommy Saagge; brother, Leroy Saagge; sisters, Marlys Hulst, Darla McLeod, and Judie Monsrud; and grandson Aaron Pigeon.

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