Name: Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia
Address: Columbia, MO

I am saddened by the loss of a long time friend and Mentor.  I just learned of Don's passing a few days ago, when suspicious that something was wrong I did a quick internet search, which confirmed my worst fears.

I had been emailing and calling for quite some time and it was unusual for Don not to respond.  Now I know why.

As I related in a collection of memories compiled at the time of his retirement, Don was a great friend, Mentor and gave me great unconditional support and love as a young philosophy student beginning his university experience at Wash U. in St. Louis.

Those early months, when  beginning one's university experience are fragile times and Don was a master at providing the adult and professional direction which was needed to a new fledgling.

Our friendship continued for many decades and again, two years ago, he made a wonderful contribution in helping me to focus my discussion in a book I wrote as an attempt to document the reality of medical miracles.  Why miracles happen to some and not to others.

I am only sorry that I was unaware of his own bout with cancer, as I would have offered many suggestions to help augment his longevity.

None the less, I know that this lifetime is but a speck of dust in the eternal journey of our Soul and, as such, I wish him well in the next chapter of his Soul's journey.  I hope that my prayers will help elevate him to the Divine status that awaits us all, at the "end" of our journey.

In love and respect,
Richard L. Sarnat MD

Don was a man of great compassion. The world has lost a good soul. He touched many and helped them grow . He will be missed.

I met Don when I worked in textbook adoptions at the University Bookstore.  He would handwrite his adoptions and bring them by personally.  He was such a pleasant and engaging man.  I had many small interactions with him at the student center and on campus.  He always remembered who I was, and he always had a ready smile.   He will be missed by those who knew him well as well as those who met him in passing.  May he rest in peace.


I’m so sorry to learn of my friend Don’s passing. A remarkably engaging person in all kinds of ways: intellectual, personal, political, emotional. Most of all that east coast sense of humor. Mizzou, Columbia and all those who knew him will miss Don Sievert to no end. I’m sure he will smile at all of us when he learns (from another world) of Trump’s downfall.

All who knew and will always love Don and his family: The article in the Columbia Missourian is lovely and provides a small hint of the reach of Don's influence, character, warmth, and incredible wit. It's barely an exaggeration to say that few University of Missouri students over the last 47 years did not know him, and all faculty did. As for me, Don was the loving husband and true life partner of one of the most influential people in my life, Dr.Maryellen Cullinan Sievert, who was my advisor in my first master's degree in library and information science, and who came out of retirement to serve as chair of my doctoral committee in informatics. I've known both of them now for almost half my life, and I would not be who I am without both of them. I met Don and MaryEllen at a crossroads, still young in this world, my mother having died just six months earlier, my family having gone through years of major crises, including my parents' divorce. As I entered graduate school, and then continued, both were those towering intellectual figures, who over time, as parents and parental figures do, became real people, and my friends. And yet, they have never lost that quality of being the oaks, the constants, in an ever-changing, complicated world, as I have wended on my own challenging, often baffling, never uninteresting path. The amazing thing is that I know I am part of entire tribe of those whom Don and MaryEllen have taught, advised, mentored, befriended, encouraged, and loved, in a way that makes each one of us feels as though we are at their center, and other than their own beloved daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons, each of us is their most special son or daughter. This loss is profound for an entire community. Don, you showed us that to live is to think with each other, yes, but especially, make sure that others know you love them and find every opportunity to laugh together. The very first thing I am going to do, when it is safe, is fly home to hug you, MaryEllen.

I knew Don for nearly 30+ years at MU.  We served for a brief time on the Faculty Council together.  He was a great contributor, and a very insightful person....No blab, just to the point comments.   He had a great sense of humor also, which I always enjoyed on any occasions when we got to chat.  I am so sorry to lose him to the CoMO  community, and for his philanthropic work.  

We were sorry to hear of Don's passing.  He was such a well respected faculty member and community member with a terrific family.  Our thoughts are with MaryEllen, Laura, Eric, Tanner, Tate and all of Don's family and friends.  He will certainly be missed.

Rockie and Mike Alden
Columbia, MO

Don was a wonderful colleague in the Department of Philosophy. He will be sorely missed. 

Don was one of the good people at MU.I remember his friendliness and support over the past 30 years.  Most of all he was a great teacher. My memory of him will always be how he as sitting at at table in Brady Commons or the Student Center talking with students.

Don and MaryEllen welcomed Michele, my wife, and me when we came to Columbia in 1988.  HIs warmth and kindness made coming to the University of Missouri feel like coming home.  Throughout my years in the Philosophy Department with Don, he was a constant source of good will and good sense.   I was very lucky to be his colleague.

Don was on my committee shortly after he arrived. He was a real presence-- a model philosopher and teacher. modest, funny, and inquisitive. Although the time I was with him was far too short, several of his comments have stayed with me for 45 years-- his observation of the love of academics for their Sunday New York Times being one of them; his recollection of Robert Paul Wolff's explanation of what Kant was trying but failing to do in a passage another. My condolences to his family. 

Dr. Sievert was a great teacher, one of the best I ever had. Later, I had the pleasure of being his neighbor in Columbia. He will be missed.

Don worked tirelessly for the University of Missouri when a faculty member and also as a retiree when he was the MURA Faculty Council Representative.  His loyal dedication demonstrated how deeply he cared about our Mizzou family.  Thank you Don for making our world a better place.
Sincerely, Ruth Tofle

I had several classes with Professor Sievert during my time at Mizzou. He was always an enthusiastic teacher, whose energy and knowledge were certain to enlighten the whole room. Don joked about his age and the inevitability of death often in the classroom, but to see his obituary is still a punch in the gut. Rest in peace, professor. You will always live on through the knowledge you have imparted to us. 

Too many great memories to recount.  Way too many laughs.   Don’s take on life was a model for all of us.   Live with purpose and integrity, but don’t take life or yourself too seriously.  A great friend. 

Hugs to all. Dad is currently with me and we are so saddened by the news that Don died. My heart hurts for all of you. Don gave me much strength when Doug was ill. Always a joke or kindness to keep me going. Please keep us posted and let us know if we can help. Thyra

To Maryellen, Laura, Eric, Tanner, and Tate,

I am sorry I cannot be with you in person.  But I am with you in spirit.

Love from Donald's native New York City--

Barbara


Please accept my deepest sympathy for your terrible loss. Don was a delightful man, an excellent friend and colleague to me and formerly to Julie, and much loved by everyone. It is hard to believe he is gone.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Donald Edward Sievert

26 décembre 1942 – 24 août 2020

Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia

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