Joseph Arnold Siegel, 83, passed away October 11, 2021 at his home in Aliso Viejo, California surrounded by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Siegel, and his two children, Arlynne Siegel and Stephen Siegel.
Born to Gladys (Getzug) and Albert Siegel on January 18, 1938, Joe was raised with his two elder sisters, Delores Liebo and Sheila Paley, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was Bar Mitzvahed January 13, 1951 at Temple Aaron Congregation in Saint Paul Minnesota, the 6th day of Shevat 5711, Haftarah Bo. A quarter-century later, Arlynne would recite the very same Haftarah. Having moved to Chicago, Illinois, Joe received his Military Training Certificate for Reserve Officer’s Training Corp rising to the rank of Cadet Master Sergeant at South Shore High School in Chicago.
Joe attended the University of Illinois Navy Pier campus where he was a member of Phi Eta Sigma Fraternity, the oldest and largest freshman honor society for American freshmen, and Phi Lambda Kappa’s Alpha Alpha chapter, a professional medical fraternity. At the University, Joe enrolled in a pre-medical program that ultimately allowed him to earn his MD. Thirty-plus years later, he would petition the University of Illinois chancellor to receive his bachelor’s degree.
The U of I is also where he met the love of his life, Barbara. They married in 1958 and would be together through thick and thin for 63 years.
Upon graduation in 1962, he enlisted in the United States Army as a first lieutenant. The Army took them to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, Ft. Rucker, Alabama, and Ft. Benning, Georgia, among other stops. During his tour, Joe completed the US Army Aviation School at Fort Rucker.
Through all of this, Joe and Barbara had three children, Arlynne, Abraham (of blessed memory), and Stephen.
While in the Army, Joe earned a certificate for Medical Field Service, successfully completed the U.S. Army Aviation School as a captain in Basic Army Aviation Medical Officers Course, and was awarded the diploma at Ft. Rucker, Alabama.
Upon leaving the Army as a Captain, Joe, Barbara and the kids returned to Chicago, but soon followed other family members to California where he established an ear, nose, and throat practice with a partner, first in Lynwood, then in Los Alamitos and Fountain Valley. Joe was an active member in medical, community, and synagogue life, taking leadership roles wherever he went. He was chief of surgery at Los Alamitos Community Hospital.
Years later, Joe would repay his debt to the Army for putting him through medical school by joining the California National Guard Reserve, where he ascended to "full bird" Colonel. He would ultimately retire from medical practice to a medical administration role with the California correctional facility in Chino, California.
Avid travelers, Joe and Barbara would explore the globe, opening a travel agency with another couple to fuel their passion for different cultures and adventure. Earlier in their marriage, they would pile the kids in the car to drive the Western United States visiting national landmarks and parks wherever they went. Ski trips, river rafting, and other outdoor adventures allowed the family to be joined by other friends, making great memories. Upon retirement, Joe and Barbara could be found more frequently on board a cruise ship than at home.
Joe joined the Los Cerritos Masonic Lodge in Long Beach, California where he rose to the rank of Worshipful Master. He devoted himself to the good works of the Masons.
Through the years, he and the same core group of friends held a monthly poker game spanning five decades. The stakes were low, but it was more about the camaraderie than the winnings. Joe's kids both loved when the game came to the house every 8 months or so, as they got to sample the treats before (and after) the game.
Joe and a friend invested in a stable of harness race horses. They started with two horses, Patricia P and Frank Blades, and ended many years later with close to 18 horses. He enjoyed the thrill of running down to the winner's circle as well as working with the trainers and drivers.
Joe was predeceased by his parents, Albert I. and Gladys Siegel, his sister, Delores, his brothers-in-law, Bernhardt Liebo and Albert Paley, and his son, Abraham Siegel. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Siegel, his daughter Arlynne Siegel and her husband, Greg Schwartz, his son, Stephen Siegel, and his partner, Steven Cohen, his sister, Sheila Paley, his beloved nephews and nieces and their families, and countless cousins, friends, lodge brothers, colleagues, and admirers.
Joe was a healer, a fixer, a go-to guy, an artist, a craftsman, a good friend, a great father, and a devoted, loving husband.
Joe will be laid to rest at Harbor Lawn - Mt. Olive Memorial Park on Friday, October 15, 2021 at 2:00 p.m., 1625 Gisler Avenue, Costa Mesa, California, 92626. (714) 540-5554. In lieu of flowers, Joe's family suggests that charitable contributions may be made to NephCure (www.nephcure.org) or to a cancer charity of your choice.
We will be celebrating Joseph’s life Friday and Saturday. For more information please contact Jackie at Harbor Lawn (714) 540-5554.
Video streaming information to follow for family friends from out of town.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18