Lydia Wise Sieb

Lydia Wise Sieb, 86, of Gering died October 25, 2013, at Regional West Medical Center. Born to John and Anna Marie (Groskopf) Wise on February 21, 1927, in Mitchell, she received her education in Scottsbluff Public Schools. She was baptized, confirmed and, on Sept. 19, 1948, married to Jacob Sieb at Salem Congregational Church. Lydia was endowed by a spirited attitude. She was hardworking and outgoing throughout her life. She was employed at Gering Hested’s store in Gering for six years, Gering Clothing for 9 ½ years, helped open and worked at the original Scottsbluff Wal-Mart for seven years and, after retiring, worked part time for three years at the Gering Wildlife Museum. Lydia loved the holidays, creating décor for the changing seasons. She loved nothing more than being surrounded by her family, dressing the dinner tables and cooking traditional, favorite foods. She enjoyed the camaraderie of the “girls” at weekly dinners out, helping to prepare German food for the annual church bake sale and singing in the Salem Church German choir. She loved travelling, particularly with family, and particularly with her sons to Husker football and baseball games. Lydia and her husband, “Jake,” danced on air when, in their younger years, they often attended German weddings and “Dutch hops.” She was of strong opinion, strong will and just plain strong which helped her prevail during hard times. Poor health over the last year prevented her from getting out and about and being robbed of her independence was a hardship for her. We are happy she is now free. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-laws, Gracia and James McAndrew of Johnston, Iowa, Marilyn and Kenneth Dodge of Gering; sons, Leland Sieb of Gering and Kelly Sieb of Lincoln; five grandchildren, Eric (Lindsey) McAndrew of Urbandale, Iowa, Sean (Ginger) McAndrew of Johnston, Iowa, Anne (David) Fox of Chadron, Matthew (Rebecca) Dodge of Gering and Melissa Dodge of Scottsbluff; 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Her husband, Jacob, parents, six brothers and four sisters preceded her in death. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 1, 2013, at Salem Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Dale Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park at Scottsbluff. Friends may visit from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff. Memorials can be sent to Denver’s St. Josephs Children’s Hospital pediatric unit, the Gering Lions Club, Salem Congregational Church or the family for distribution as per Lydia’s request. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com