Carol Ann Lageson Seim

February 7, 1949 – August 28, 2026

On the brisk winter day of February 7, 1949, Clinton and Lucille Lageson welcomed a brown-eyed, dark-haired little doll they named Carol Ann Lageson. She was the second of three girls born into the family. Raised in North Fargo, Carol attended Roosevelt Elementary, Ben Franklin Junior High, and Central High School before graduating from North High School in 1967. She enrolled at North Dakota State University (NDSU) in 1968, majoring in English. A top-notch student, she truly excelled in creative writing.

In 1969, Carol married. In 1970, Carol gave birth to a beautiful, blue-eyed daughter whom she named Caitlin Zoe, after Dylan Thomas, one of Carol’s favorite poets. Following a brief move to Iowa, where Carol attended the University of Dubuque, she and Caitlin returned to Fargo. There, Carol finished her Bachelor of Science in English and divorced shortly thereafter.

In 1975, Carol was charmed on the dance floor of the Cripple Creek Bar by David Seim of Lisbon, ND. Dave still says she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He asked her to a movie the next night to see Shampoo, and the rest, as they say, is history. Dave adored Caitlin and officially adopted her in 1976. Dave’s green pickup truck, complete with a topper camper, became the vehicle for many beloved family escapades.

Carol began her teaching career with Fargo Public Schools in 1985 at Woodrow Wilson, teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). She later transitioned to the ESL department at Fargo South High School. During this time, she developed deep, lasting bonds with her students and their families—especially within the Kurdish community, where she loved breaking bread and storytelling. Carol later transitioned to teaching standard English, Advanced Placement English, and Creative Writing. Her new students quickly fell for her infectious humor, creative teaching style, and fierce devotion to them. Carol had a true zest for teaching, loved learning about life from her students, and frequently provided a voice for those who didn't have one.

Through her work, Carol acquired a second family among the Fargo South High staff. Though she retired in 2011, she faithfully attended their lunch and gossip sessions up until her passing.

In 1995, Carol and "Seimer" began building an incredible home on Big Sugarbush Lake. Most of the work was done by their own hands and those of their friends—with Dave’s plumbing skills coming in especially handy. The cabin became a revolving door of fun and love until it was eventually sold.

Carol was a certified Master Gardener with an ever-changing expanse of beautiful gardens both in town and at the lake. Though she was invited to be featured on the Fargo Garden Tour this past summer, cancer had other ideas. Her artistic eye was also evident in her colorful quilts, her paintings, and the sketches she loved drawing on her phone. An avid reader, she belonged to a "classics" book club and wrote deeply emotional poetry throughout her life. Carol also loved listening to The Moth, eating black licorice ice cream, and rescuing animals. She was a devoted mom to many cats and Bernese Mountain Dogs over the years.

In May of 2026, Carol and her family were devastated by a diagnosis of Cholangiocarcinoma, a rare and aggressive cancer of the bile ducts and liver. Though her initial prognosis promised more time, she was given only four months—months filled with severe physical pain and deep sadness. Even so, the many students, teachers, friends, and family members touched by Carol’s quick wit, spicy humor, and caring nature rallied around her. Every touching message left on her CaringBridge site was read aloud to her.

Carol passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family and friends, on August 28, 2026, at the age of 77.

Carol is survived by her husband of 50 years, David Seim of Fargo; her daughter, Caitlin Serrano (David), and grandsons, Rocco (22) and Deuce (20), all of Minneapolis; her sister, Cathy Colling, and nephew, Ben (44), of Fergus Falls, MN; sister Linda (Deb) as well as her annoying little dog, Griffin, and her testy cat, Madi. She was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton and Lucille Lageson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home in Fargo, ND, on Friday, October 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM. A visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Carol's name to the Homeward Animal Shelter in Fargo or to any animal rescue organization of your choice.