Jessie Elaine Siekmeier

Jessie Elaine Siekmeier passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026 in Chelsea Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was 97 years old. She was born on September 30, 1928 on a dairy farm in Ann Arbor, MI, the daughter of Henry J. and Jane (Midgley) Forshee. Jessie’s father tragically died when she was five years old, and thus she and her mother, sisters, and brother had to work very hard on their family farm; this instilled in her an appreciation of hard work and a closeness with her siblings, values that stayed with her for her for the rest of her life. The family had a year-round stall on the Ann Arbor Farmers’ Market for many years. Growing up, she was active in 4-H, the Methodist Youth Fellowship youth group, and athletics, particularly enjoying volleyball and horseback riding. She attended the University of Michigan Laboratory School (“U-High”) then Ann Arbor High School (now Pioneer High), where she graduated in 1946. She attended the University of Michigan for two years then transferred to Michigan State University, graduating with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1950. Jessie stayed closely connected with her alma mater her entire life. Upon graduation, she worked in the business office at the Argus Camera Company in Ann Arbor. In addition, with family and friends she had a small business selling corsages at the Michigan Football games, bringing together her business sense with her love of U of M football. She met her husband Donald Siekmeier at the First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Ann Arbor. They married on September 3, 1960 and went on to raise two sons together. Jessie was deeply devoted to her family and the church. She was a nurturing and involved parent, steadfastly supporting her children’s interests and aspirations, whatever they may be. She was tirelessly dedicated to the Church in many ways. As well as serving on the FUMC Finance Committee, she helped start the Turkey/Harvest Dinners, a fundraising effort for the Church which became a tradition at FUMC that continued for many years. She had a passion for genealogical research and was a lifelong member of the Genealogical Society of Washtenaw County. Above all, she loved spending time with her children and far-flung network of nieces, nephews, and grandchildren, and had an uncanny ability to keep track of their lives and pursuits. She was loved by all for her authenticity, sense of humor, and nonjudgemental manner. She had a large circle of friends that she kept in touch with well into her 90’s. Hers was, by any measure, a life well lived.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Donald Siekmeier, as well as her three siblings, Dorothy (Forshee) Scott, Virginia Forshee, and James Forshee. She is survived by her son James Siekmeier, his wife Catherine Tall, and their daughter; and by her son Peter Siekmeier, his wife Maria Stalford, and their daughter. In addition, she is survived by niece Patti (Scott) Baier, nephew Dave Scott, niece Jane Scott, nephew Scott Amo, niece Colleen (Amo) Swan, niece Ann (Forshee) Crane, and nephew John Forshee.

The family would like to thank the staffs at Balfour Senior Living in Ann Arbor as well as the Chelsea Retirement Community, for their excellent care the last three years of Jessie’s life.

Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation at Muehlig’s Funeral Home, 403 S. Fourth street, on June 27, 2026 from 11am to 3pm. In addition, a memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church, 120 S. State Street, in Ann Arbor, on June 28 at 2pm. Reception to follow in the Social Hall of the Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jessie’s name can be sent to the First United Methodist Church (www.fumc-a2.org/),120 S. State St., Ann Arbor, MI 48104. In addition, donations can be made in Jessie’s name to the Eli Broad College of Business, Michigan State University ( https://broad.msu.edu/giving/); donations can also be sent by mail to the Development Office, 632 Bouge Street, Rm N505, E. Lansing, MI 48824.