Friday, November 22nd, 2013
James Siebert
James R. Siebert, 86, Celina, passed away Nov. 20, 2013, at Celina Manor Nursing Home.
He was born Aug. 5, 1927, in Hopewell Township, to Benjamin and Bertha Armstrong Siebert. He was previously married to Doris (Hehmeyer) Hocanson, who survives in Celina.
Other survivors are six children, Becky (Greg) Davis, Celina, Ron Siebert, Ocala, Fla., Connie (Scott) Strable, Seymour, Tenn., Jean (Dave) Swygart, Cary, N.C., Mike Siebert, Troy, and Karen (Mark) Leugers, Celina; nine grandchildren, Amy Rowan, Brian Davis, Shana Leist, Lindi Strable, Andy Swygart, Josh Swygart, Michael Siebert, Matt Leugers and Mitch Leugers; and eight great-grandchildren, Karrington, Kaiden, Karter, Kennedi, Averi, Alysa, Ashlin and Tripp.
Deceased is a brother and sister-in-law, Don and Ginny Siebert.
In 1960, he established the Plaza Bowling Lanes in Celina. Being the proud founder of the Volunteer Fire Department in North Marion, Fla., he served as their chief for many years. He was a real estate agent and broker, and also worked as a farmer and cattle rancher. Right after graduating from Celina High School, he started his own milk route, delivering Sealtest Dairy products.
He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He attended St. John Lutheran Church, Celina. He had a passion for entertaining people. He participated in tractor pulls all around the eastern United States with his jet engine tractor, the "IRA."
Services are 2:30 p.m. Saturday at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Celina, the Rev. Jeff Gramza officiating. Burial will follow at Buck Cemetery near Celina. Graveside military rites will be conducted by Celina VFW Post #5713 and American Legion Post #210.
Calling is 12:30 p.m. Saturday until the time of services at the funeral home.
Contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital Burn Unit.
Condolences may be left at dickandsonshellwarthfh.com.