James "Jim" William Siems

James Siems, 76, of Mazeppa died Tuesday April 19, 2022 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester after a lengthy illness.

James William Siems was born April 8, 1946 in Red Wing, the son of Ted and Mary (Huberty) Siems.  A graduate of Mazeppa High School with the Class of 1964, Jim worked at Watkins Electric from 1964 to 1966, and then spent 22 years at Reichert’s Appliance.  He then drove semi-truck with Nardinger Farms  for a few years.  In 1992, he began working with the environmental services department of Mayo Clinic, retiring from there in 2012.

On March 20, 1999, at St. Mary’s Church in Bellechester, he married Ruth Culver.  Jim’s interests were varied and pursued with enthusiasm.  He loved to travel, particularly to Germany where he visited many times.  He was a volunteer with the Mazeppa Historical Society, and served as its Vice-President.  He was a regular participant in tractor pulls, and he collected tractors.  He raised beef cattle on his hobby farm, and enjoyed riding his horses with friends.  He also owned draft horses, and they often pulled wagons and sleds.  Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with people, his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife Ruth Siems of Mazeppa; son Nick (Kirsten) Culver of Rochester; daugthers Cecelia and Christine Siems of Mazeppa; two grandchildren Evelyn Culver, and Kellie Siems.  He was preceded in death by his parents Ted Siems and Mary Bergstrahl; and two siblings Diane Siems, and Eric Bergstralh; and his step-father John Bergstrahl.

A funeral mass will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mazeppa on Monday April 25th at 11:00 AM.  Burial will follow at Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery.  The mass will be livestreamed and may be viewed at the Sts. Peter and Paul Church website.  Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday April 24th at Mahn Family Funeral Home – Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.  At the conclusion of the visitation, a time of remembrances will begin for anyone who wishes to say a few words about their relationship with Jim.

If so desired, memorials may be directed to the Mazeppa Historical Society or to a charity of the donor’s choosing.