Jacob Sigmund

Jacob Sigmund, 85, of Fort Collins, CO, died Saturday, January 21, 2017 at Columbine Commons Health and Rehab in Windsor, CO.

Jake was born August 16, 1931 in Friedenfelt (Ukraine) Russia and later moved to Germany with his family. He later immigrated to the USA through Ellis Island in 1952 settling in Bismarck, North Dakota. He began working for J.J. Igoe Construction in Bismarck and learned the business so well he bought the S&S Construction Company in Moorhead, Minnesota. S&S was heavily involved in many road construction projects in the area, including I-94 and I-29. Jake also owned FM asphalt of Dilworth, Minnesota and later Lakes Paving of Detroit Lakes. He later bought Rivera Heights Mobile Home Park in Fargo and Treetop Restaurant in Moorhead. Jake was involved in so many business ventures his whole life in the FM area and was well known throughout the business community.

Jake retired to his lake home in Detroit Lakes and then later to Colorado to enjoy longer golfing opportunities because of the weather. He also loved playing cards and to the annoyance of many, always seemed to win.

Jake was a lifetime member of the Associated General Contractors of America and past president of the North Dakota chapter. He was involved in many civic activities including the NDSU Research and Development Committee. He was a NDSU team booster as well as a member of the VFW, American Legion, Elks and Eagles. He became the first honorary alumni of NDSU in 1981. He was a big fan of Bison and Minnesota Sports. Anyone who knew Jake knew of his passion and head for business. He will be missed by the many friends and business members of the FM area.

Jake had the biggest, kindest and most generous heart and was very much loved by his family and leaves the biggest hole in their lives.

Jake is survived by his wife of almost 46 years, Avis; two brothers, William (Polly) Sigmund, Windsor, CO and Rudy (Jill) Sigmund, Fargo, ND. He also leaves behind five children from a previous marriage: Linda Sigmund, El Paso, TX, Mark (Erika) Sigmund also of El Paso, TX, Jacob A. Sigmund, Denver, CO, Heidi (Tim) Flynn, Arvada, CO, and Suzy Sigmund, El Paso, TX; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Ione (Robert) Wiltsey, Hawley, MN, Sandra (Terry) Evenson-Hagen, Bemidji, MN; brothers-in-law, Loren (Dana) Berg, Casper, WY and Allen (Debbie) Berg, Fargo, ND; nieces, Martina (Lynn) Sigmund, Mapleton, MN, Karen Sigmund, Fargo, ND, Tiffany Sigmund, Valdosta, GA, Lydia (Jason) Faulkner, Fargo, ND, Robyn (John) Dutke, Sauk Rapids, MN, Emily (Derek) Martin, Fargo, ND, and nephew, Reed (Autumn) Sigmund, Stillwater, MN.

Jacob is preceded in death by his parents, Wilhelm and Martha Sigmund; brother, Karl Sigmund and son Jon (Shannon) J. Sigmund.