Donald John Siekman

Donald John Siekman, 96, died on August 8, 2020, in the comfort of his own home in Ohio County, Indiana.

Donald was born on November 6, 1923, the son of Arthur and Edith (Neaman) Siekman in Ohio County, Indiana. He was raised on his family’s farm and attended Rising Sun High School. Donald graduated in 1941 and worked in a factory in Connersville, Indiana, making wings for dive bombers.  He also served in the U.S. Army during WWII before working at the Rising Sun Citizens Bank.  In 1956, he took a job with the Federal Land Bank Association, where he originated farm loans. He retired in August 1985. After retirement, Donald became a representative for the Growers Tobacco Warehouse in Carollton, Kentucky for over 10 years. He also volunteered for the Soil and Water Conservation from 1988-1993 and served on the planning board for the new Rising Sun school.  

Donald married June Maxine Murray on January 17, 1948 and was preceded by her in death (2003). They made their home in several rental properties in and near Rising Sun before purchasing their farm on Dutch Ridge in April 1956, only a mile from the farm he grew up on. They enjoyed raising tobacco and a small beef cow herd.  The farm also allowed for Donald to enjoy his hobby of raccoon hunting. Donald and June created many fond memories during their life together, including many vacation trips to Florida, Alaska, Hawaii and the Yellowstone National Park.  Church was an integral part of their 55-year marriage, always placing God at the center of their relationship.

Donald and June had two sons.  Their first son, Gary Wayne, was born May 23, 1950, and after a long illness, passed away on January 17, 1994. Terry Joe was born September 30, 1954, also succumbing to illness on July 21, 2008, preceded Donald in death. Both Gary and Terry built homes on Dutch Ridge near their parents.

Donald is survived by 4 grandchildren: Kindra (Doug) Russell of Rising Sun, Indiana; Dawn (Jason) Walcott of Rising Sun, Indiana;  Jason (Kayleigh) Siekman of Rising Sun, Indiana and Caitlyn (Corey) Renfro of Sanders, Kentucky; five great grandsons (Claudio, Angelo, Foster, Casper and Oakley) and eight great granddaughters (Isabel, Alayna, Emma, Eloise, Alyssa, Erin, Beatrix and Harriet).  He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Deborah Walton (Steve) and by a sister-in- law, and by several nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.  Donald was preceded in death by his wife, sons, parents and brothers.

Funeral services will be 11 AM, Wednesday, August 12th at Markland Funeral Home in Rising Sun, IN with Eldon Fancher officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, August 11th from 5-8 PM at Markland Funeral Home. Burial with military honors will be at Rising Sun New Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Rising Sun 1st United Church of Christ or Loving Hearts Hospice. Cards are available at funeral home. marklandfuneralhome.com

Due to the current situation dealing with COVID-19,  we will be following the directives from Governor Holcomb and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning large events and mass gatherings. Visitors are requested to wear masks and maintain social distancing. The family and funeral home thank you for your cooperation.

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