Evelyn Schwagler

Evelyn Schwagler, 97 of New Salem, passed away on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at Elm Crest Manor in New Salem.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 PM on Friday, September 4 at Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem with Rev. Zelwyn Heide presiding. Burial will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in New Salem. Visitation will be on Thursday, September 3 from 5-7 PM at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan and continue one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Evelyn was born December 11, 1928, in Blue Grass, ND to John and Nina (Hutchison) Sorge. After attending country school and helping on the family farm she married Edgar Schwagler on June 20, 1948. They built their home in New Salem where they raised their two children, Angela and Timothy.

Evelyn had great pride for her New Salem community. She was an active member in her church, a Charter Member of the local Women’s Life, a lifetime member of the New Salem Historical Society.

Evelyn loved spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking so much that she served many years as the New Salem School’s head cook. Her family especially enjoyed the German favorites that she often made including kuchen, fleischkuechle, knoephla soup and double frosted chocolate cake.

She was also a talented and prolific artist, with many of her works being recognized throughout the state including winning the Governor's Award at the Hazen Art Show in 1992. You can find many of her paintings hanging in the homes of her loved ones. She was a charter member of the Area Art Association and contributed her talents to the mural in the New Salem auditorium.

Evelyn also enjoyed gardening, watching and feeding the birds in her backyard, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. Evelyn enjoyed watching golf and cheering on the Twins and Vikings.

She is survived by her two children, Angela Bland, Atlanta, GA and Timothy (Shereen) Schwagler, Mandan, three grandchildren, Derek Kaelberer, Atlanta, GA, Colter (Katie) Schwagler and Ryder Schwagler of Mandan, great-granddaughter, Natalie Schwagler and a brother, Don Sorge, Washburn; brother in law, Rodney Unruh, Bismarck; and sister in law, Janet Sorge

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Edgar, her parents, John and Nina Sorge, two brothers, Robert and Marvin Sorge, sister, Arlene Unruh and grandson Kori Kaelberer and two sisters-in-law, Marjorie (Danzeisen) Sorge and Linda (Held) Sorge.