Donald William Sievers, age 81, went home to be with his Lord on February 23, 2024. Don was born to Charles and Jean Sievers on December 6, 1942. He was one of nine children and grew up on their family farm near Bridgewater, SD. Don graduated from Bridgewater High School in 1960 and South Dakota State University in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science.  He obtained his Master's degree in 1977. As a young adult, Don received Jesus as his Savior in Minot, ND at a Lowell Lundstrom evangelistic crusade.  On March 2, 1965, Don was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Decker at Plum Creek Baptist Church in Emery, SD. This union gave life and love to two children, Sherril and Daniel. They loved to travel with family and friends. While living in Italy, they visited numerous European countries, enjoying the beauty of God's creation. Don was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and served his country for 24 years, achieving the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A good portion of his career was spent in the B-52 as an Electronic Warfare Officer, logging over 3,000 flight hours. He flew numerous combat missions during the Vietnam War, many of which were low-level runs over hostile and heavily armored enemy positions. Later, Don became Chief of the Command Post (Aviano AFB, Italy), Chief of the Operations Plans Branch (EAFB), and Chief of the Alert Management Division (EAFB). He received the Distinguished Flying Cross and many other awards for meritorious service. His career took him and his family to Oklahoma, Alaska, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, California, North Dakota, England, Guam, Thailand, Texas, and Italy, before settling in Rapid City, SD. Following his military service, Don worked for the state of South Dakota as a Job Service Representative for almost two decades.

As a sports enthusiast, Don played American Legion baseball and high school football, basketball, and track. He also played college basketball, church league basketball, racquetball, Air Force league softball, and church league softball… playing until he was 70 years old! He always said he would have played longer, but the church no longer had a team. Additionally, he was a lifelong fan of the Yankees, Packers and Huskers. In his spare time, you could find Don snow-blowing his entire neighborhood and meticulously manicuring the church lawn. He loved the Lord, and he loved serving others.

Don's great love was his children and grandchildren and he was so proud of their accomplishments,  He adored his granddaughters and was their supporter, encourager, and biggest cheerleader. He was always there to celebrate their achievements and never missed one of their basketball games, volleyball matches, or track meets.  Their circle of friends in Rapid City had a special bond of faith and fun.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 59 years, Mary Ellen Sievers; children Sherril Morgan of Rapid City, and Daniel (Melissa) Sievers of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Hannah (Dalton) Kelley of Rapid City, Abigail (Shane) Kasten of Houston, TX, and Rebecca Morgan of Rapid City; great-grandchild Weston Kelley; siblings Jim (Janice) Sievers, Ralph (Charlotte) Sievers, Linda (Tom) Jones, Larry (Julie) Sievers, and Darla (Ron) Eneboe, sister-in-law Maleda (Ron) Moross, along with many nieces, nephews, and their families.  Don was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Kathryn Weaver, Marilyn Bolcerek, Marjorie Bolcerek, and their spouses. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to The Gideons International or Child Evangelism Fellowship of South Dakota.