Donald L. Siebenaler

After his father’s retirement, Don attended Central Catholic High School in San Antonio, TX, St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, and the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in the class of 1963. Don entered the Corps of Engineers and completed several assignments in the US, Vietnam, and Thailand before being accepted in to the US Army Foreign Area Officer Special Program. That led to studying Russian at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA, an MA in Russian\Eastern European Studies at Yale university, and attendance at the USARI in Garmisch, Germany. As a Russian Analyst, Don served tours in USAEUR, DIA as Director of the MOLINK (Washington-Moscow Hotline), and as an attaché in Moscow, USSR (1980-1982).

Don was the recipient of many awards including a Bronze Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, and Legion of Merit. After his military retirement, he became a study director at the Board on Army Science and Technology at the National Academy of Sciences, seeking safe disposal of chemical weapons. For that work, he received the Army Commander’s Award for Public Service. He volunteered both as a lector at Catholic parishes and at Traveler’s Aid for 25 years.

Don is survived by his wife, Rita, and daughters Sharon Solorzano (Enrique) and Kristin Siebenaler (Robert Van Arnam) to whom he gave great love and support. He is also survived by four beloved grandchildren whom he cherished, Elisa and Karina Solorzano, and Kara and Nick Van Arnam. Don is survived by sister Phyllis Schmid of San Antonio, brother John Siebenaler of San Antonio, brother Paul Siebenaler of Austin, and sister-in-law Janice Siebenaler of Denver, and nieces and nephews that he loved.

Don lived his life with enthusiasm, showing interest and respect to those he encountered. He spent his last years at Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads, where he added humor and his singing voice to the community. Don and his family are greatly appreciative of the caring Terrace and Hospice staffs at Goodwin House.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 16th from 4pm to 7pm at Murphy Funeral Homes on Wilson Boulevard, in Arlington. A mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Goodwin House, 3440 South Jefferson St., Falls Church, VA on Monday April 17th at 10am. Interment will be at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.

Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Code of Support Foundation, 4220 King St., Alexandria, VA 22302 or to the Goodwin House Foundation – Staff Support Fund, 4800 Fillmore Ave, Alexandria, VA 22311.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.murphy-funeralhomes.com for the Siebenaler family.