Leo "Bud" Sieg

Leo John "Bud" Sieg, age 76, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Monday, September 22, 2025, at SSM Health St. Mary's Hospital.

He was born on October 4, 1948, in Jefferson City, Mo., to the late Chester Clarence and Elizabeth (Linnenbrink) Sieg, Sr. He was united in marriage to Shirley Mae Mueller on October 16, 1967, in Stephenville, Mich. The couple shared nearly 58 blissful years of marriage and became an inspiration of love and devotion to all who knew them.

Bud began his education at St. Louis of France Catholic School in Bonnots Mill, Mo., and later graduated from Fatima High School. As a young man, he worked at Tony's Drive-In as both a cook and a meat cutter before taking a position with McGraw Edison. His true calling, however, came when he entered the construction field, beginning with the Cedar City Tile Company.

He was a member of the Carpenter's Union and over the years, Bud honed his craft with Don Mueller Construction and Marcellus Construction before founding his own business, Sieg Construction. As a subcontractor, he partnered with Jefferson City Distributors, Scruggs Lumber Company, and many other local businesses. He had a remarkable gift for working with marble, granite, and stone, creating features that combined strength and artistry. With an architect's vision and an artist's eye, Bud could see a project in his mind before a single line was drawn, often working without a written plan. He believed in doing things right the first time, and his dedication earned him both respect and friendships wherever he went.

In his younger years, Bud was known as an eye-catching dancer, and enjoyed racing cars. Throughout his life, he carried a love of recreation and the outdoors. He enjoyed bowling, fishing-especially setting trotlines with his brothers-and hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel, and mushrooms with family.

Bud and Shirley were members of Central Church, and family was always at the center of Bud's world. Together, he and Shirley created countless memories with the Sieg/Mantle families, often returning to a favorite spot, Fish Haven Resort, for many years. They traveled the country in their cherished "vacation van," making annual road trips to the Vistana Resort while visiting Walt Disney World in Florida. They also visited the Mueller family in Texas often. In addition, Bud and Shirley took their family to explore New Mexico, Colorado, California, Washington, D.C., Mississippi, Arizona, and many other destinations. At home and away, laughter and fun were constant companions. Bud delighted in playing Pitch, Pinochle, and Rummy (among many other games), fixing puzzles, riding go-karts, giving four-wheeler rides to his grandchildren, and always taking the win at mini golf.

Bud was steady, stoic, giving, and endlessly fun to be around. He never complained, would do anything for anyone, and carried a joy that was contagious. His answer to "How are you feeling?" was always, "Like a million bucks!"-a reflection of the way he made others feel in his presence: valued and special. His family will forever remember his big personality, his unconditional love, and his role as the designated gift-passer at Christmas, spreading joy to every corner with his "Pappy Claus" grin. He loved baking and sharing Christmas cookies, except for monster cookies, his favorite. His cooking talents kept him busy at family functions, just the way he liked it.

Bud loved big and lived fully. His greatest legacy is the deep dedication he showed to his family, a devotion that will remain his most enduring gift.

He is survived by: his loving wife, Shirley; daughter, Paula Fairchild (Jim) of Jefferson City; son, John Sieg of Russellville, Mo; grandchildren, Jessica Apel (Derek), Cody Walker (Morgan), Alec Sieg (Emily), and Olivia Sieg; great-grandchildren, Kaydence and Zoey Apel; siblings, Gerald Mantle (Nancy), Helen Ferguson (Jim), Patty Grothoff (Mike), Mary Huhn, and Doris Dolce (Chas); siblings-in-law, Rita Mantle, Jennifer Sieg, Evelyn Hawkins, Carol Ray, Mary Sue Mueller, and Anne Mueller; and a host of numerous nieces, nephews, and members of his extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Elizabeth; siblings, James Mantle, Chester Sieg, Jr., Richard Sieg, Cathy Rehagen, and Bruce Sieg; and siblings-in-law, Irma Bagnull (Paul), Donald Mueller, Ralph Mueller (Lynda), Venita Tuggle (Abe), Hank Hawkins, and David Mueller.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday, September 29, 2025, at Freeman Mortuary.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Frank Goehringer officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions are encouraged and suggested to Central Missouri Foster Care & Adoption Association, 1704 Christy Court, Jefferson City, MO 65101, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.