David Thomas Siems

David Thomas Siems, 83, passed from this earth and went into the arms of Jesus early Wednesday morning, February 25, 2015, in Aliso Viejo, California. David joins his beloved wife of 56 years, Patricia, who died on September 15, 2012, at age 79. He is survived by his sister Rosemary Snyder, four children and their spouses, Daniel and Darlene Siems, Thomas and Margi Siems, Caroline and Bill Hartenberger, and Timothy and Marie-Claire Siems, twelve grandchildren, and three-and-a-half great-grandchildren. Dave served his family, church and community as a loving, caring, faithful man of God! He served as an elder at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Walled Lake, Michigan, as a loyal and committed man of prayer and studied the Bible daily in pursuit of the Truth. He was a loving and considerate husband to his beloved bride, Patricia, and partnered with her in expanding the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the community and the world, all for the Glory of God. Dave was also a wonderful Christian father to his four children and a respectful and worthy role model to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dave was born in Evansville, Indiana as the third child of Werner and Ruth Siems. He attended Purdue University, studying electrical engineering and serving in the university's marching band and Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). After graduating from Purdue, Dave served as a Lieutenant (junior grade) in the Navy and was awarded the National Defense Medal and China Service Medal. His most significant assignment was as an Assistant Engineering Officer aboard the USS Southerland DDR 743 in the Pacific. After returning to Purdue to earn a master's degree in electrical engineering, Dave joined the General Motors Proving Ground in Milford, Michigan as an engineer. He retired from General Motors after more than 30 years, with his most enjoyable years working as an engineer in the Safety Research and Development Lab. In retirement, he did many kinds of service projects for St. Matthew Lutheran Church and participated with Patricia in several world missions trips with Mission Opportunities Short Term (MOST) Ministries. David was a true servant leader; he faithfully served others with humility, kindness and grace. A celebration of David's life will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2015, at 7:00 P.M. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake, Michigan. Dave will be interred at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church Walled Lake (Mission Fund at st-matthew.org), MOST Ministries (www.mostministries.org), or Voice of the Martyrs (www.persecution.com).