Edward Siems

Edward Siems, 96, of Sheffield, passed away on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at Franklin Country View Nursing Home in Hampton. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at the First United Methodist Church in Sheffield with Rev. Wendy Johannesen officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery in Sheffield with military honors conducted by the Sheffield American Legion Post 277. Visitation was from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Sheffield. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.

Edward Martin Siems was born November 2, 1927 in Sheffield, Iowa to August and Ella Siems. Ed was one of 12 children. Ed attended Sheffield School. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in November of 1945. He was discharged from his military duties and reenlisted in December of 1946. Ed served in Japan during World War II. After returning home from the service, Ed was employed by Koester Electric and then went on to work for the Sheffield Brick & Tile Company and retired from there 40 years later.

On July 29, 1951, Ed was united in marriage to Joan E. Emhoff from Sheffield. Ed and Joan’s greatest love was that of their family. They took great pride in providing for their family. After retiring from the Brick & Tile Company, Ed continued working a couple more years helping his son, Doug, at Doug’s Transfer.

Ed was a member of the First United Methodist Church and the Sheffield American Legion. He served as the city cop, on the Sheffield City Council and the Board of Trustees at the church. He also coached Little League and Babe Ruth for eight years.

Ed loved nature and the outdoors. He loved fishing, trapping, hunting, playing cards, and trying his luck at the casinos occasionally. Ed enjoyed his golf outing and bowling for many years. He was an avid New York Yankee and Iowa Hawkeye fan. He loved tending to his vegetable garden and flowers. Ed was quite the handyman. He spent a lot of time in his workshop building things for his family and friends. There were not too many things he couldn’t do.

Ed found great joy and excitement, especially sharing the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was very proud of all their accomplishments.

Ed will be dearly missed by his family and friends, who have shared his life.

Ed is survived by his son Douglas (Donna) Siems of Sheffield and daughter Debra (Donald) Armatis of Rockwell. Grandchildren Chad (Amy) Slagle of Algona, Jill (John) Pratt of Ankeny, Jodi (friend Brian) Siems of Norwalk and Shea (friend Simon) Siems of Portland, Oregon. Great-grandchildren Easton and Jaeden Pratt of Ankeny and Tate Slagle of Algona.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Joan, brothers Benny, Elmer, Dick, Dale, Delbert and Martin, sisters Sue, Tilene, Eileen, Luella and Louise and great-grandson Zak Edward Slagle.