Kenneth John Siegling (May 22, 1922 - September 9, 2010)

Kenneth John Siegling, 88, of Redfield, SD died September 9, 2010 at Community Memorial Hospital in Redfield. His memorial service will be at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 13, 2010 with Reverend Tim Fugman officiating. Visitation will be on Sunday from 1-6:00 p.m. at Thelen Funeral Home with the family present from 4-6:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 5:00. Burial, with Masonic rites, will be prior to the funeral at Greenlawn Cemetery. www.thelenfuneralhome.com

Ken was born May 22, 1922 near Burdette, SD, the fourth of five children, to John and Bertha (Mast) Siegling. He graduated from Redfield High School and attended South Dakota State College in Brookings for a short time. He was united in marriage on June 4, 1944 to Arlene Roeber at the St John’s Evangelical and Reformed Church west of Tulare, SD. Ken and Arlene assembled their farming operation southeast of Burdette by moving a house to the location and erecting out buildings. In 1954, they purchased and operated Burdette Store until 1959 when they moved to Redfield and built a grocery store on the south end of Main Street. Ken and Arlene devoted 20 years to the family grocery business. They enjoyed their family, traveling and dancing.

Over the years Ken was an active member of the United Church of Christ in Redfield, Yelduz Shrine and was a 50-year member of the Zenith Masonic Lodge of Tulare, SD. He was active in the Redfield Area Arts Council helping to build sets and in many other civic organizations. Ken was selected Boss of the Year in 1962 by the Redfield Jaycees.

He regularly attended his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and was proud of their accomplishments. In his retirement he always had his toolbox handy for those carpentry jobs that needed to be done.

Ken is survived by three children, Glenna (Bill) Thompsen, Walnut, IA, Rod (Robbi) Siegling, Redfield, SD, Reed (Kathy) Siegling, South St. Paul, MN; a loving friend, Bonita Wurz; eight grandchildren: Stephanie Thompsen, Dean Thompsen, Shannon (Jarod) Dodson, Noel (Kathryn) Siegling, Pete Siegling, Patrick Siegling, Tanya Bailey and Toni Bailey; five great- grandchildren: Mariah, LaRae, JaeLynn and Kendyl Dodson and Will Siegling, his sister, Edna Bingham, Highmore, SD and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene in 1990, his parents, his brothers: Milo Siegling and Darrell Siegling and his sister Myra ‘Sues’ Christian.

Ken’s life was dedicated to his family, the community and church. He brightened many lives with his sensitivity to others needs and subtle wit. Ken will truly be missed.