Dr. John W. SIEMENS

SIEMENS, LUTHY, PADELFORD, HEBNER, SILVER

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 11/1/2006 at 12:48:59

Dr. John W. Siemens, DVM Nov. 17, 1925 - Sept. 28, 2004 "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." -Abraham Lincoln Well-known and loved veterinarian, Dr. John W. Siemens, passed away on September 28, 2004. Born in Goldfield, Iowa in 1925, he was one of seven children. His love of horses began on the Iowa farm. He received his Veterinary degree in 1949 from the Iowa State College. He began his first practice in Illinois, where he met his wife of 52 years, Marilyn. After serving in the Korean War, the couple made the move west to be in the heart of the mountains he loved, settling in Jackson's Hole, Wyoming. In 1961 they moved farther west to Spanaway, WA, where he established an equine practice. Dr. Siemens was active in many veterinary and community organizations and attended the Little Church on the Prairie in Lakewood. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his daughters, Sara (Ken) Siemens-Luthy of Steilacoom, Sue (Bob) PaDelford of Sand Point, Idaho; and his son, J. Andrew (Sandy) of Bend, Oregon. There are five grandchildren: Sam and Hannah Siemens-Luthy, and Jack, John and Jim Siemens who will greatly miss their lovable grandpa's stories. Surviving siblings include Maybelle Hebner, Phyllis (Don) Silver, Paul (Ruth) Siemens, Frank (Ellen) Siemens, Roger (Rita) Siemens, and many nieces and nephews. Always a fun-loving character, Dr. Siemens preferred that there be no funeral service at his passing. Instead, he requested a joyful celebration of his remarkable life for his friends and family. Bring your memories to share at a memorial to be held on Sunday, Oct. 17 at the Steilacoom Town Hall from 1:00-3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, Dr. John wished contributions to be made in his name to the Equine Scholarship Fund c/o Iowa State University, 2524 Vet. Medicine, Ames, IA 50011. Throughout his life, Dr. Siemens was often heard to comment on how good his life had been because he'd been able to "meet so many great people, and work with a lot of grand horses." He was definitely a one of a kind guy. We will miss him deeply.

Copyright Tacoma News Tribune [WA]
2 October 2004