Evelyn Seigel

Evelyn (Black) Smith-Seigel, 96, Fargo, ND, passed away on March 29, 2023, at Essentia Health in Fargo.

Born in Venlo, ND, and a graduate of Sheldon HS in ’44, Ev was a little girl from rural North Dakota who would experience so much in life, and always embraced her world with a smile. Ev married Robert James Smith in ’46, and had her only son Steven in Feb. ’50. Tragically, Robert was killed in the Korean War in Sept. ’50, leaving her with an 8 month old to raise alone. That did not diminish Ev’s faith in the church or the country. Ev was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church in Fargo, even serving as their receptionist in the ‘50s and ‘60s. It was through the church that she found new love, and in 1963 married Robert (Bob) W. Seigel, creating a new home that included three new step-sons, all within a few years of age of her own son. Ev and Bob enjoyed a fantastic life together. They moved from Moorhead to Wyoming, Nebraska and California, making lifelong friends at every stop. Bob died in ’96 and Ev returned to Moorhead to be near Steven and family. Ev was active in every church she attended, and proudly put out her American flag every morning. She was a wonderful and unique person who found the best in every moment, and lived a long, happy life as a result.

Ev was preceded in death by her son Steven, two husbands, four brothers, one sister, and daughter-in-law Sandy. She is survived by daughter-in-law Marcia Smith, three step-sons: Tom (Sandy), Robert (Lori) and Jim (Michael), 6 grandkids and 18 great grandkids.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Fargo at 2:00pm with visitation one hour prior at 1:00pm on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Due to church construction there will be no reception after but guests will be sent home with Ev’s favorite treat.