John Siebert Sr.

John E. Siebert Sr., 81, died on Saturday, April 24, 2010 after a lengthy illness. He was born to John F. and Dora M. (Cameron) Siebert on July 30, 1928 in Hurley, Wisconsin.

Dad graduated from Hurley High School in 1946, and attended the University of Wisconsin. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1948 and served as a Storekeeper aboard the attack cargo ship the USS Bellatrix during the Korean Conflict. He was discharged in 1953, with the rank of Storekeeper 2 nd Class.

On June 10, 1950 he married the love of his life, Margaret R. Carvalho in Waipahu, Hawaii. Together they had five children: Margaret, John Jr., Randy, Valerie, and David. Mom died on June 26, 1979.

After his military service, he returned to Hurley, Wisconsin and worked for the Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company until 1964, when the store he managed was closed. He took the Civil Service Exam, and in 1965 joined the U.S. Customs Service and was assigned to Port Huron, Michigan. Dad retired from Customs in 1993, having achieved the rank of Senior Inspector. After his retirement, he worked for Cawood Auto as a driver until his health began to fail.

Dad is survived by his brother Donald W. (Nancy) Siebert of Hurley, Wisconsin; his sister Joyce A. Johnson of Denver, Colorado; two sisters-in-law: Marie Robinson of Waipahu, Hawaii and Irene (Moses) Vierra of Nanakuli, Hawaii; a brother-in-law Joseph (Loretta) Carvalho of Medford, Oregon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad is also survived by two daughters: Margaret R. Hammar of South Bend, Indiana, and Valerie B. (Gregory) Cleaver of Port Huron; and three sons: John E. (Jolynn) Siebert Jr. and Randy J. (Patricia Morgan) Siebert, both of Port Huron, and David M. (Susan) Siebert of Marysville, Michigan. He is also survived by 13 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

In addition, Dad is survived by his long-time companion Mary Juzysta of Port Huron and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Margaret, his son-in-law Thomas L. Hammar, and his granddaughter Rachel Hammar.

He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Port Huron.

Dad loved traveling by motor home, meeting new people and learning about their lives, and spending time in the peaceful beauty of northern Wisconsin. He read the newspaper every day, and enjoyed discussing current events (frequently playing the devils advocate). He was happiest with a dog at his side, and spent many contented hours watching the birds and other wildlife in his backyard. He was a kind and gentle man who loved his family, his country, and the worlds bounteous natural beauty.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary Catholic Church, 1505 Ballentine Street, Port Huron. The Rev. Zbigniew Zomerfeld will officiate. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Cleaver, Lee Hammar, Nathaniel Hammar, David M. Siebert II, John E. Siebert III and Michael Siebert. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the United States Customs Service.

Visitation will be on Monday from 2-8 p.m. at Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk Street, Port Huron. Visiting will also be held Tuesday from 9 a.m. until the service time at church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund, 333 N. Summit St., P.O. Box 10086, Toledo, OH 43699-0086.