Obituary of Henry Siemens

Henry Elmer Siemens born to Peter and Annie Siemens on the homestead on April 8, 1939 - one of six children; and died on the homestead January 11, 2010 at the age of 70. Henry, son, baby brother, big brother, cousin, nephew, sometimes known as Hank. He was a schoolmate, roommate, sweetheart, husband, dad and grandfather. He was a farmer, choir director, Sunday school teacher and church board member. He was a road constructor and cat driver. He was a councillor and a Reeve. He was a friend, confidant and mentor. Dad went to Maron school until 1956 when the school was closed, finishing his high school in Medstead. Those Maron schools days were long days - being the janitor family meant getting to school early in winter in order to start the fire in the school. Travel was by sleigh in winter and by buggy in the spring and fall. Dad continued his education at Bethany Bible Institute where he met mom (Olga) in his third year - they were married in Main Centre on October 22, 1960. They lived on the farm with grandpa and grandma (Peter and Annie) and built a small house on their yard. Mom and dad bought their first quarter of land in 1961 and their first daughter Bonnie was born. In 1963 mom and dad purchased the estate of Raymond (Slim) Dirksen and their second daughter Becky was born in the fall. After harvest that year they moved their house to that farmyard - surviving their first winter without power. In 1967 dad and mom bought grandpa and grandma's homestead and moved back to the homestead. Around this time dad started working for Leonard Loewen driving cat, brushing breaking and road construction. Dad continued to do this for about 12 years. Third daughter Wendy was born in 1972 and I was born in the fall of 1975. The old house mom and dad were living in was deteriorating so in 1976 construction on a new house started - moving into the house in June of 1977 with some luxuries like running water and furnace heat. 1977 was another big year as dad joined the RM of Round Hill as councillor - a position he held until he became Reeve in 2001 - a position he held until Monday evening. Dad felt as long as he could provide value to the RM he would continue to serve. This past December dad was recognized for his years of service in the RM and was presented with a beautiful watch at the RM Christmas banquet. The 60's 70's, and 80's can be defined as very busy for dad - he farmed, drove cat, became choir director and still had time to sing with Pete Pauls and sing with a quartet. Yes - dad was even a recording star - you'll have heard a sample when you arrived today. Dad loved sports - we grew up with the sounds of hockey night in Canada every Saturday night during NHL season. Friday nights - if there was a hockey game to be at - dad was there - weather wasn't a deterrent. Dad had some creative farming inventions where he showed some amazing welding skill. Uncle John had a hand in some of these - a rock digger, drill transport and a trailer for Gary are just some of his creations. From 1988 to 1996 dad married off three daughters, one son and had his first three grandchildren. I, Greg, started farming with Dad in 1991. By 2005 another six grandchildren had joined the family. Mom & dad and Raquel (my wife) and I traded places - with Mom & dad moving into Glenbush and Raquel and I moving onto the farm homestead. Dad & I continued to farm together. A highlight for dad the year he turned 60 was passing his class 1A license. Dad and I treasured the chances to go on the road together - including a couple of trips through the mountains hauling livestock. In the last number years dad had bypass surgery and battled diabetes but that didn't stop his enjoyment of sports, his commitment to the RM, nor his love of farming. Mom quietly took on tasks to help dad and very often went out to the farm to give dad a hand. Dad was a quiet, firm, hard-working, dedicated, committed and principled man who had the endless support and love of mom. Dad's in heaven now - directing a new choir, farming in style, enjoying year round hockey, eating fish and chips and sitting on another council. Funeral services were held January 15, 2010 at Medstead Community Hall, and the Internment at Glenbush Mennonite Brethern Cemetery We as a family would like to thank our family and friends for the care, love and support you have shown these past days. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Gideon's were accepted