Donald E. "Bud" Siemon

Donald Everett (Bud) Siemon, 86, Mankato, was born October 5, 1927, to Everett Edward and Myrtle Padden (Ridge) Siemon in Mankato. He was their second child. He had an older sister, Avis Marie, and later 2 younger sisters, Anne Arlene and Anita Lorraine. Bud left us to return to his Heavenly Father on April 11 ^th , 2014, at the Mitchell County Hospital surrounded by family.

Donald attended Liberty School for his first 8 years of formal education and then moved to “town school” in Mankato. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1945. Bud then served in the Army and completed his training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and later traveled by ship to England where he was stationed.

Bud returned from the Army to help out on the family farm. Bud stayed on the farm and tirelessly and selflessly cared for his parents as they aged. His mother passed away in 1962 and his father in 1974. Bud took great pride in the Siemon history. His grandparents settled on the junction corner just northeast of his home in 1884. They came from Iowa by covered wagon and raised 7 children on the family farmstead. Bud owns the home place and could never bear the thought of tearing down what remained of the original house.

Besides farming, he enjoyed having a cow/calf operation where every cow and their calves had a name. Bud worked with Newell and Merlin Alexander putting up grain bins, pouring basements and building houses around Jewell County. In each and every house he left his marking of D.E.S. was here, some place in the concrete. He could often be found side-by-side with Milford Ost, his brother-in-law, helping wherever he was needed and then returning home in the evenings to complete his own family chores.

Bud enjoyed keeping up with family and friends most. He was sentimental, caring and very thrifty, but never stingy. He didn’t need much for himself, preferring to live simply. He never failed to ask after everyone and always inquired as to when you were traveling and upon your return home safely.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Avis Spillman and Anita (Mickey) Watson; 2 great-nephews, Ryan Ost and Taylor Bradberry. He is survived by his sister, Anne Ost of Mankato and 60 nieces and nephews; great and great-greats; and “Baby” his beloved cat.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 15 ^th , 2014, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends at Melby Mortuary. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 16 ^th , 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, Mankato, KS, with Pastor Gerry Sharp officiating.

Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.melbymortuary.com. Memorials in his memory may be made to the Mankato Endowment Association.