John L. Siemann

John Lawrence Siemann, 93, 206 W. Reed St., Jefferson, Iowa, passed away on January 25, 2012, in Greene County Medical Center.

John was born on December 29, 1918, in the home farmhouse outside of Lohrville, Iowa, to Mary Elizabeth (Huettl) Siemann and Francis (“Mick”) Leo Siemann. After spending much of his early years on the family farm, John enlisted in the US Army Signal Corps in February 1942, shortly after the start of WWII. During the ensuing 39 months, he saw service in Texas, California, Iceland, England, France, Belgium, and Germany. Most recently, John participated in a 2011 “Honor Flight” for WWII veterans to Washington D.C.
Upon his discharge, John returned to Iowa and farming. He married Rose Bea Conner on September 10, 1946; they began and raised their family on a small farm near Lohrville. His wife and he continued farming with his father, his uncle, A.P., his brother, Francis, and many good neighbors and friends. In 1969, they moved to their new home in Jefferson, Iowa, where John began his new career as a serviceman for Northern Propane Company. After his retirement, he enjoyed delivering for Krieger Greenhouses and NAPA Auto Parts in Jefferson.
Being born in the heartland to a farming family, John loved the outdoors, including farming, fishing, and gardening. He also enjoyed driving the back roads to view wildlife in their natural setting, particularly in spotting deer. Another love was his trips to Colorado Springs to visit his sister, Sister Bernice, O.S.B. and her community. He was an avid drawer and painter, especially of landscape portraits, including his family farms and nature.
John is fondly remembered for his hardworking, gentle personality. This generous and caring man also enjoyed playing cards, Chess, and Checkers. His happiest times were spent with his wife and family. He also enjoyed his ever-present lap companion, Snoopy, John’s cat.
John is survived by his wife of more than sixty-five years, Rose Bea (Connor) Siemann and their five children: Thomas (Tom) of Carroll, IA and Mary Schachtlie of Des Moines, John (Johnny) and his wife, Linda, of Kansas City, MO, Mary Elizabeth (Mary Beth) of Cedar Rapids, IA , Margaret and her husband, Paul McDermott, of Fort Madison, IA, and Michael (Mike) of Terrell, TX. John is also the beloved grandfather of seven, great-grandfather of eight, and great-great-grandfather of one, as well as uncle to seven nieces and two nephews.
John is preceded in death by Mick and Mary (parents), Bernice (sister), Francis (brother) and wife Sadie, Hazel Anderson (sister-in-law) and husband Jimmy, two nieces and a nephew.
A celebration of John’s life will be held with a Mass of Resurrection at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 28, 2012, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jefferson with Rev. Father William Bunner officiating. Musical selections will be by soloict Sheilah Pound and accompanied by organist, Monica McGregor. Burial will be at St. Patrick Cemetery, Cedar Township, at 1:30 P.M. Visitation will be held to the Brown Funeral Home on January 27, 2012 in Jefferson from 3:00 to 7:00 P.M. Friday with a Vigil for the Deceased held at 5:00 P.M.
Serving as casket bearers are Tom Siemann, Johnny Siemann, Mike Siemann, Mike Shultz, Mike McDermott, Dennis Hendricks and Gerald Wright. Honorary casket bearers are Paul McDermott, Marvin Coon, Ed Sabus, Rick Sabus, Jim Eichied, Verle Bennett, Jerral Kunce, Greg Siemann, David Anderson and Leo Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Benet Hill Monastery, Order of St. Benedict, at 3190 Benet Lane, Colorado Springs, CO. 80921.