"Dear Phyllis: We were saddened to hear of Don's passing and want to extend our deepest sympathy. The Sierk family goes back as far as I can remember (neighbors on East 11th Street/Dakota Ave. 60 plus years ago, teacher, babysitters and the best of family friends. And it has been so kind of you to remember mother these many years. She has greatly appreciated your visits and calls, and I'm so happy I got to see you and Don, and Gary and Barbara on a recent visit to Sioux City. May you find strength and peace in the days ahead. "
In loving memory of
Donavon (Don) D. Sierk
March 21, 1931 - October 1, 2008
Donavon "Don" Sierk, 77, of Dakota City passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 1, 2008.
Funeral Services were held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Mohr Funeral Home, 1000 W. 29th Street, South Sioux City, NE with Captains Linda and Von Vandiver of the Salvation Army Church in Sioux City, IA officiating. The American Legion Post #307 will conduct military rites. Cremation did follow.
Don was born March 21,1931 to Ernest W. and Mildred (Polzin) Sierk. He married Phyllis J. Roberts on September 2, 1950 in South Sioux City, NE. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War; serving in Japan as a decoder of classified information. Don and Phyllis lived in South Sioux the first 25 years of their life together, raising their 2 sons. In 1973 they moved to Arkansas and then on to LaGrange, TX, where he was the manager of the LCRA Power Plant and a company director when he retired. After he retired they sold their home in the country and traveled in a motor home for 10 years, volunteering in state and federal parks. The last 2 1/2 years have been spent in Dakota City so Phyllis could look after her Mother, who is in a nursing home. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in LaGrange, TX.
Don was the most loving, caring person. Everyone brought their troubles to him and he would try to help. Even in his last illness when people came to see him he would put them at ease. He was at peace, knowing he Lord would take care of him however things went.
He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife of 58 years, Phyllis and two sons and their wives, Dennis and Sheila Sierk of Huntsville, AL and Kenneth and Linda Sierk of Benton, AR; 4 grandchildren, Dustin Sierk and wife Angela, Megan Mann and husband Andrew of Huntsville, Joey Finnegan and wife Christine and Heather Holiman and husband Kris of Benton, AR; 4 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; a brother, Gary Sierk and wife Barbara of South Sioux; a sister, Karin Owens of El Dorado, KS; mother-in-law, Rosa Roberts; four God children and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was precede in death by his parents and 2 brothers-in-law.
The family suggests memorials be sent to Hospice of Siouxland or the Salvation Army.
Tributes
"I had the opportunity to work with Don during the construction and startup of the Fayette Power Project. He was a wonderful person to work with and around. My sympathy and prayers to his family."
"We at St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Fayette Power Project here in LaGrange have lost a dear friend. Personaly, he was a mentor and friend who I will never forget. May the Peace that passes all understanding be with you, Phyllis, and the family during these difficult times. While the pain of his loss is still great, it will subside and the fond memories of all the wonderful times will fill the void created fromhis loss."
"Phyllis and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. As you have together cherished life's journey, you have many memories close in heart. God bless and keep you in His care. "
"Dear Phyllis, We were so sorry to hear about Don's passing, even though it was expected. I knew Don ever since we were kids in Crofton, Ne. We used to play together on the farm and had a great time as kids do. Then we parted. I went to the military and we lost contact with each other. But Don was always a fine person. May God keep you, Phyllis and bless you. Daryl and Doris "
"The peace of God, which passes all human understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen"
"Phyllis and family, Our Love and sympathy at your loss. Don was truly a great man, the type that cared and the one who made a difference. I remember the times we spent together when I was Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran in La Grange with fond memories. He was loyal and loving to a fault. He and Phyllis made a great team and their service to congregation and community was appreciated. Most important then and now is the great love we have from God who through Christ's work, gaurantees our salvation now and forever. That faith was his and is our strength at this time. May God bless and keep you. Love, Pastor Bill and Renee Hassel"
"I work one weekend a month at St Lukes and I had Don as a patient. We got to talking and found out we only lived a couple of blocks from each other when they lived in SSC. He was a pleasure to talk to and know his family is suffering a great lose."
"I love you and will miss you always"
"I have many happy memories of us playing together when we were kids."
"I first met Don when he and Phyllis first moved to La Grange and came to St. Paul Lutheran Church .He was active in the church activities and was greatly missed when they moved. I guess God needed him help run things, too. He will be missed by all who knew him."
"My sympathy to you Phyllis. I work at the newspaper and remember seeing the both of youl"
"I worked with Don at The Fayette Power Project where Don served in several positions, but as plant manager he inspired me to excel and work for LCRA and not a paycheck. I enjoyed working with Don and glad to have know him. May God be with him and is family in this time of need."
"May God give you His peace and strength."
"My love and prayers to you and the family during your time of sadmess."
"The employees of the Fayette Power Project remember Don fondly and wish to convey their sympathy to Phyllis and family at his passing. His service and leadership to the people of central Texas will keep this son of the Grassy Plains deep in the Heart of Texas."