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Obituary for Joan J. Siegrist
Joan J. (Freking) Siegrist, 92, passed away peacefully Friday, May 21st, 2021 surrounded by the voices of her family. She was born in LeMars, Iowa to Aloysius and Anna (Klontz) Freking on August 26, 1928. Her early years were spent on the farm, with a stint “in town,” learning the value of hard work and the importance of family. After graduating from St. Joseph High School (now known as Gehlen Catholic School) in 1946, she entered St. Joseph Mercy College in Sioux City, IA, earning her Graduate Nursing Degree in 1949. She became a registered nurse in Nebraska in February, 1953.
It was almost a year later, in January of 1954, that she met the love of her life, Don Siegrist, at a class she was taking at Creighton University. Dad wowed her completely when he turned around and told her and her friend to “Shh” during class. Fortunately for us, his romancing skills greatly increased. They were married September 4, 1954.
Mom gladly gave up her nursing career to raise the six Siegrist children, moving from Council Bluffs, IA, where Mary was born, to Watertown, South Dakota where Sue and Tom were born. Donna, Carol and Steve, were all blessed to be born in Littleton, Colorado. The most amazing move of all – the one that still astounds us – was the move to Wiesloch, Germany in 1971. Somehow Mom managed to get the house sold and packed and then travel alone with all six of us to Germany (through Chicago), where Dad met us with a brand-new Volkswagen bus.
Mom made every place she lived “home,” not only for her family, but for everyone who walked in the door. Holidays meant large family gatherings with lots of food and laughter and a sense of belonging. An impromptu visit became an occasion to share a meal, either home-cooked or from the closest KFC. She was the neighborhood nurse and the friend you turned to in times of sadness and joy. She was a devoted, happy wife for more than 50 years, her love for Dad never wavering, nor his for her. She prayed more rosaries for her children than can possibly be counted.
Mom had the amazing gift of seeing each of us as individuals, knowing who needed what, when, never comparing one to another. She was quick with a hug or words of encouragement, or the “Mom” look or a swift kick to the butt (or breakfast in bed without the bowl). She ferociously defended us and unconditionally loved us. That love grew with each grandchild and great-grandchild; she had an always-full heart that she shared without bounds. Her joy in being a wife and mother will live on in each of us.
Joan was predeceased by her parents, Aloysius and Anna Freking; her husband, Donald Siegrist; her brothers, Everoul, Clayton, Emmett and Al Freking, sisters-in-law Edna Freking and Donna Freking and her grandson, Jess Jacobsen. She is survived by her brother, Duane Freking her sister, Elizabeth (Merle) Merritt and sister-in-law Melitta Freking; children Mary Jacobsen, Sue (Gary) Booker, Tom (Laurie) Siegrist, Donna (Mark) Hessel, Carol Dulude, Steve (Christy) Siegrist; 20 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Freedom Home Senior Living 10080 Lexington Ave Colorado Springs, CO 80920