Dennis Harley Siems

Dennis Harley Siems, 73, of Oronoco, MN, died Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Mayo Clinic Methodist Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Dennis was born August 21, 1952, in Zumbrota to Harley and Anna (Neumann) Siems. He grew up on the family farm near Oronoco and graduated from Mazeppa High School in 1970. On January 4, 1982, Dennis married Debra Marie Johnson. They raised their children in Byron, MN before building a house on part of the old family farm.

Dennis proudly worked as a heavy equipment operator before managing the Olmsted County Landfill for 30 years until retirement. After retiring he enjoyed operating a bulldozer again for Enebak Construction in the Twin Cities area for three years. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Oronoco and the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. Dennis also served several years on the Oronoco Cemetery Board.

His most treasured moments were his time with children and grandchildren. He will be fondly remembered for his passion for his family, his faith, and the love of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Gophers Basketball.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Debra; children Ben (Christy) Siems of Kalamazoo, MI; Broc (Abby) Siems of Rochester, MN; Brad (Crystal) Siems of LaCrosse, WI and Kim (John) Rowe of Elko, MN. He was blessed with 10 grandchildren: Sean, Kellen, Brie, Matthew, Claire, Hannah, Avery and Quentin Siems, and Libby (Spencer) Igo and Cassie Johnson. He is survived by two sisters Pamela (Bruce) Reistad of Mazeppa, MN and Patricia (George) Bernhard of Huntingdon Valley, PA, as well as several special nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Douglas Siems.

Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Grace Lutheran Church in Oronoco, MN with Rev. David Brandt officiating. Visitation one hour prior to the service, lunch will follow.