John T. Siewert

John T. Siewert, age 99, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his home.
A funeral service will be held at 11:30am on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, with Father William Menzel presiding. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Saturday from 9am until the time of service at 11:30am. Burial will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery with Military Honors performed by VFW Post #2534.
John was born on February 24, 1924, in Port Edwards, WI to Valentine and Dorothy (Meunier) Siewert. He graduated from Lincoln High School class of 1941, then enlisted in the US Navy. After returning home from WW-II he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree in Business.
John married Ida Lee Chiappetta on February 23rd, 1952, in Kenosha, WI. They then started their family in South Bend, IN, relocating to Wisconsin Rapids in 1954, so John could join his father and brother in the family business of insurance and real estate. His eldest son, JR, joined him in the business and became Coldwell Banker Siewert Realtors, which remains a leading business in our area.
John was elected to several terms on the Wood County Board of Supervisors and served for over 30 years. He served on many committees, most notably Sheriff and Traffic, Highway and Health Department. He was an original board member for the founding of the United Way in Wisconsin Rapids. He was also a member of Wisconsin Rapids Rotary Club for 67 years with perfect attendance for over 60 years, National Cribbage Association and National Racquetball Association. He competed at a national level into his 80s in both game and sports.
With service in both the European and Pacific conflicts, Normandy/France had a special place in his heart having been the helmsman of the USS Satterlee DD-626, the first American ship at the Normandy coast, Pointe du Hoc, on D-Day, 6 June 1944 providing close fire support for the US Rangers. He returned to Normandy with family and friends over a dozen times to share with others, especially young people, lessons about peace, service, and duty. He received many awards, including the freedom cross of the French Free Forces, Silver Medal of Souvenir Francais, and the highest honour for military service to France, National Order of the Legion of Honour.
John is survived by his children and grandchildren, John "JR" (Susan) Siewert of Wisconsin Rapids and their children, Amber Mesfin of Atlanta, GA and Joshua (Erin) Siewert of Rothchild, WI; Charles Siewert and Joni Lecy of Madison, WI and their children, Anthony (Gabrielle) Lecy-Siewert of Verona, WI and Addison Lecy-Siewert of Denver, CO; Patrick Siewert and Debra Meiburg of Hong Kong; Lynne Siewert and Lon Albrecht of DeForest, WI and her son, Sam Karner; and Mary Katherine Siewert of Wisconsin Rapids. He is also survived by his great grandchildren Jackson Mesfin, Bridger Siewert, Bode Siewert, and Valentino Siewert, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
John was preceded in death by wife of 60 years, Ida Lee; his parents; brother, Valentine Perry (Stevens Point); sisters, LouEllyn Vits and Emma Jean "Jean" King (Wisconsin Rapids); sister-in-law Virginia "Ginny" Gregorin McConnell; brother-in-law, Charles "Chips" Chiappetta; and nephew, William "Bill" Vits.
He spent much of his free time these last three years in France and Hong Kong working on his biography which is now complete and will be published later in 2023.
Memorials can be designated to the Siewert Family Fund at Incourage Community Foundation, 478 E. Grand Ave Suite 200, Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494, or give online at incouragecf.org/give.