Dina Theresa Siemens

Dina Theresa Siemens was born in Fresno, California on June 15, 1928 to Joseph and Pina Reyes, and passed away peacefully in her hometown on July 10, 2021 at the age of 93. Her parents were both immigrants from other countries (Mexico and Italy), so she grew up in a diverse environment in west Fresno, learning English but also speaking her parents languages. She started kindergarten at St Alphonsus Catholic Church and continued her education in parochial schools until being among the first class to graduate from the new San Joaquin Memorial high school campus in 1946. She was 13 years old when Pearl Harbor was attacked, and soon saw her older brother Rudy go off to war and participate in the Normandy invasion.

Dina met the love of her life, Paul Daniel Siemens, while working at The Borden Company, and they were married in 1950. They promptly bought a home in the Mayfair district of Fresno where she raised her 5 boys, Dan, Dwight, Duane, David, and Don, and spent the remainder of her 72 years there before moving into a nursing care facility earlier this year. Paul had passed away earlier in 1968 after 18 years of marriage.

Dina was a full-time mom, going to work part-time doing bookkeeping only after her youngest started kindergarten. She also worked 13 years for Seabrook Foods, Inc in their corporate office where she made many life-long friends. Dina retired in 1994, where her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and cats. Dina's "hobbies" included babysitting, gardening, and going to lunch or a movie with friends.

A bio that she wrote herself for her 1996 high school reunion booklet said this: "As I look back at the hills and valleys of my life, I can see how God's grace has sustained me. I had wonderful, caring parents, and I honored them. My children have honored me, and are a constant joy. I have found contentment in my 'Twilight' years and hope to last a little longer".

Dina was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Pina (Guidoni) Reyes, her husband Paul and her brother Rudolph. She is survived by her son Daniel Siemens and his wife Denise of Ramsey, MN, Dwight Siemens and his wife Mary of Clovis, CA, Duane Siemens of Fresno, CA, David Siemens of Fresno, CA, and Don Siemens of San Antonio, TX. Dina leaves behind 6 grandchildren; Alisha Siemens of Ramsey MN, Teresa Collins of Anoka MN, Caleb Siemens of Aptos CA, Josiah Siemens of Piedra CA, Alissa McPherson of Portland OR, and Alan Siemens of San Antonio TX, her favorite (and only) great-grandchildren Paxton and Florence Siemens of Aptos CA and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.

Visitation will be at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home 836 E. Nees Ave Fresno, CA 93720 on Monday July 26 from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Cemetery in the Nativity Chapel 264 N. Blythe Ave Fresno, CA 93706 on Tuesday, July 27 at 10:00am, followed by a celebration lunch at the home of Dwight & Mary Siemens.

Remembrances can be sent to Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fresno, CA, or one's favorite charity.