Ervin Sieczynski

Lt. Colonel Ervin E. Sieczynski (Ret.) went to be with his Lord at the Emory L. Bennett Memorial Nursing Home in Daytona Beach, FL on Tuesday, October 21. Ervin was born January 7, 1925 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as the 11th and youngest child born to Vincentz and Jennie Siecienski. Erv, known by all as "Ski", graduated from Milwaukee's Boys Technology and Trade High School. Ski was drafted in 1943 by the Army and served as a combat infantryman in Italy during World War II. He was captured on the Anzio Beachhead, in February 1944 while trying to carry wounded back to allied lines. Ski was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement, but spent 14 months in a German prisoner-of-war camp. In 1947, Ski enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and Pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He accumulated over 10,000 flying hours as an Aircraft Commander, Instructor Pilot, and Pilot Flight Examiner in multi-engine reciprocating and jet aircraft. He ended his flying career in C-141 aircraft, a four-engine jet transport, which is equivalent to the Boeing 707. Ski served during the Korean War and in Vietnam, flying reconnaissance for one year, and over 700 combat hours. Ski served in Africa, Italy, Germany, Alaska, Greenland, Japan, the Philippines, Puerto Rico, Cuba and Yugoslavia. Fourteen of his 31 years of service were in overseas posts. His most enjoyable post was as an Assistant Air Attaché in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1965-1968. Among his many distinguished awards are the Bronze Star Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross-Vietnam, joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Air Medal. Ervin Edward Sieczynski retired from 31 years in the U.S. Air Force in 1976. He had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. During Ski's tenure in the service, he managed to earn a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Political Science from McKendree College, Lebanon, Illinois and a Master's Degree in Human Relations from Webster College in St. Louis, Missouri. After retirement, Ski kept busy substituting in elementary schools, working the 1980 census, flying aerial banners over Daytona Beach in J-3's and Cessna 150's, servicing as president of a volunteer fire station for 5 years, providing security for NASA at the Kennedy Space Center, and logging 3,323 volunteer hours over a span of 16 years at the Department of Veterans Affairs through their voluntary service program. Ski was a member of First Baptist Church New Smyrna Beach, FL where he was a vital member of the church softball team, pitching until the age of 83. He was also an active pitcher for many years with the groups that frequented Whistle Stop Park in Edgewater, FL. Other organizations he was a member of included: MOAA-Military Officers Association of America, American Legion, Disabled American Veterans, and America Ex-Prisoners of War, 157th Infantry Association, and World Photo-mappers Organization. Ski was pre-deceased by his first wife Marion, of over thirty years, sisters Mary Sieczynski, Helen Mayerl, Charlotte Mecka, Elizabeth Sieczynski, Phyliss Gwirder, brothers Sigmund Sieczynski, Eddie Sieczynski and Chester Sieczynski, grandson Matthew Sieczynski. He is survived by his wife of 24 years Cathy Lambert Sieczynski and a sister Esther Merner, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His was much loved and will be greatly missed by his children Sandra L'Amie, Karl Sieczynski, and Jennie McMillan; Daughter-in-law Linda Sieczynski, grandchildren; Amber Stephens, Brett L'Amie, Crystal L'Amie, Jessica Sieczynski and Jonathan Sieczynski, Emily Crawley; and many great-grandchildren. The family invites friend to gather with them from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday night, October 31 at the Settle-Wilder Funeral Home in New Smyrna Beach. There will be a celebration of his life, with military honors, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, at Beachside Baptist Church in New Smyrna Beach, FL, after which friends and family are invited to a luncheon reception at the church. Following the celebration in New Smyrna Beach, Ski's ashes will be taken by his family to be interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Condolences may be made online at: www.settlewilderfuneralhome.com