Sieglinde was born on March 15, 1935, in Kaufbeuren, Germany near Bavaria. As a young girl, she participated in the annual Tanzelfest parade in her small hometown that ended in a weekend festival similar to Oktoberfest. After high school, her love of dance brought her to ballet school in Lausanne, Switzerland. In later years, her exercise regime included the stretches and dance moves she learned.
After her time in Switzerland, she returned to Kaufbeuren to work in a local jewelry factory. Her life changed when she met an American soldier from Iowa who eventually became her husband. Together they raised three children and traveled the globe as Melvin served in the United States Air Force. Siegi studied hard and became an American citizen - an accomplishment in which she took great pride.
Prior to moving to Izmir, Turkey where they lived four years, they were stationed at MacDill AFB. In the lean years of Mel’s early military career, they spent time with other base families and often had block parties. As Mel strummed his guitar, Siegi and the others would sing while the kids played in the yard. They made great friends during that time and remained connected in later years even though miles separated them.
When they returned to Tampa upon Mel’s retirement in 1974, Siegi worked as a metal finisher at the Westinghouse Electric factory in South Tampa. She later became a volunteer at the MacDill AFB pharmacy to fill her days after Mel passed away. She prepared customers' orders for 23 years, serving twice a week without missing a day. She was a member of the 500 Hour Club for time worked within a year, the MacVIP Program, and was honored to receive the Angel Award which can be given to a person only once in their lifetime.
Siegi was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2016 and was able to live in her home of almost 50 years with help from her kids and her dedicated caregiver, Grecelyn Forbes. She enjoyed spoiling her beloved orange cat, Mickey, who never left her side. To keep herself occupied, she crocheted potholders and her diligent work helped to keep Michael's in business with weekly purchases of yarn. Many people in South Tampa and beyond were grateful recipients of her colorful creations.
Left behind to honor Siegi’s memory are her children Ronald (Tara) Lindhart, Mary (Gary) Buck, and Steven (Traci) Lindhart along with grandchildren Thomas (Emilee), Eric, Rafe, and Bree (Nicholas) Avery as well as a nephew and niece in Zumbrota, MN. Her brother, Siegfried Eberle, still resides in Germany. She was predeceased by her mother, Maria Eberle and her devoted husband, Melvin Lindhart.
Siegi will be remembered for her thoughtfulness and generosity to others. She was known for cooking her famous sauerkraut recipe and delivering it to her friends and family. Her sense of humor was delightful and lasted into her memory battle with surprising wittiness.
A visitation will be held at Blount Curry MacDill Chapel on December 5 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with a memorial service at 5:30pm. A private burial will take place on December 6 at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL where she will join Melvin after being apart for 30 years.
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