Donald Sieh

A funeral mass was held in Prescott, AZ, but graveside services will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at the Herrick Cemetery, in Herrick, SD. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of local arrangements. The second of five children, Don was born on November 19, 1938, in Burke, SD, to Harold and Edna Sieh. Donald Harold Sieh grew up on a farm East of Herrick, SD, with his parents, three sisters, and a brother. His first seventeen years formed the basis for the rest of his life. His parents believed in hard work, respect for others, and love of country and religion. Upon completion of Burke High School at the age of seventeen, he attended Southern State College in Springfield, SD, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in English and in Industrial Arts.

Don married his college sweetheart, Connie Kocer, in 1961, a marriage in which love and respect grew over the following 63 years. Don and Connie were quickly blessed with three children; Selina, Anthony, and John. From 1962 to 1963, Don attended Northern State College in Aberdeen, SD, where he received a Master’s Degree. He then taught English for three years at the high school level, followed by teaching English and construction for thirty-three years at the college level. Colleges included two years at Northwest Community College, six years at Southern Oregon College, and twenty-five years at Yavapai Community College, where he received the title of Faculty Emeritus. He then retired in 1996 from Yavapai College.

During retirement, he put his life skills to work volunteering for 12 years at Habitat for Humanity and 10 years for Saint Vincent de Paul Charities. Whether it was teaching, charity work, or family, his concern was that people have a chance to grow, prosper, and enjoy life as he did.

Surrounded by family, Don passed away on March 15, 2025, at the age of 86.

Don is survived by his wife Connie; and his children Selina (Scott) Bliss, Anthony (Cenovia) Sieh, and John; as well as his three grandchildren Amanda (Doug) Furlong, Elecia (Shawn) Myers, and Anthony Sieh Jr.; sister Judith Sieh; and brother Charles (Nancy) Sieh.

He is preceded in death by his sister Ruth Wagner and her husband Harry, and his sister Lois Holmberg and her husband Norman.