Donald Siler

Donald Lee Siler, age 82, of Baldwin, died peacefully on Saturday, July 15, 2023, surrounded by his family at Hammond Health Services.

Don was born on April 9, 1941 in Menomonie; the son of Lavern and Myrtle Siler. He attended School in Downsville and Menomonie.

Don joined the US Army in 1964, served in the Vietnam war and was honorably discharged in 1966.

On January 30, 1965 he was united in marriage to Karen Gifford at the First Evangelical Church in Manhattan, KS. Their marriage was blessed with two children – Mindy and Ron.

Don worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service for over 30 years. While working full-time, Don attended school at UW-River Falls part-time and earned his bachelor’s degree in 1981. During his career Don received multiple promotions that lead he and his family to move to a variety of locations throughout Wisconsin. He retired as a District Conservationist in 2001.

Beyond his professional life, Don had a passion for sports of all kinds. In his younger years, Don excelled at go-cart racing where he won numerous trophies, participated in a dart ball league, and played town baseball for the Menomonie Eagles.

Upon retirement, Don and Karen spent their winters in Sarasota, FL. Don enjoyed Sarasota immensely by playing on multiple softball teams, visiting with his brother Richard, dining at Amish restaurants with Karen and enjoying the sunshine.

Don was blessed to have 7 grandchildren and 6 step-grandchildren. He took great pride in watching them participate in their athletic & extracurricular activites.

Don was fortunate to find love again after Karen’s passing in 2010. Don and Sandy Ferg were married on March 14, 2014. During their time together they enjoyed vacationing in Florida, looking after their grandchildren, going for long drives, dining out at Culver’s and Texas Roadhouse, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.

Don’s kind heart and warm smile brightened the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on everyone he encountered. As we bid farewell to Don, let us remember him not with sadness, but with gratitude for a life well-lived and the time we shared together. Don will be deeply missed but his spirit will live in our hearts forever.

Don is survived by his wife Sandy Siler of Baldwin, WI, daughter Mindy (Brian)
Jacobson of San Antonio, TX, and son Ron (Angela) Siler of Roberts, WI, grandchildren Noel Gawrysiak, Taylor (Lily) Jacobson, Dalton (Samantha) Jacobson, Dallas (Brianna) Jacobson, Morgan (Sam) Brock, Gabe Siler and Aaron Siler, great grandchildren Harper Gawrysiak and Elliot Jacobson, stepchildren Brian (Jessica) Ferg, Brad (Beth) Ferg and Brenda (German) Luna, step-grandchildren Lauren Ferg, Avery Ferg, Camryn Ferg, Marley Luna, Jacob Luna & Grace Luna, brothers Jerry (Sally) Siler and Richard Siler as well as many nieces and nephews and other beloved family members.

Visitation will be held at the O’Connell Funeral Home in Baldwin, WI on Friday, July 21 from 5:00-7:00 pm. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2023 with a viewing at 10:00 am followed by an 11:00 am service at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Baldwin, WI with Pastor Paul Backstrom officiating. Lunch will be provided after the service. Burial will take place at the Rosehill Cemetery in Downsville, WI.

Memorials may be made to the New Richmond American Legion Post 80, 1245
Wall Street, New Richmond, WI 54017.

Active casket bearers will be Dalton Jacobson, Dallas Jacobson, Gabe Siler, Aaron Siler, Bob Heise, Pat Christensen, Brad Ferg, and Brian Ferg. Honorary casket bearers include Taylor Jacobson, Noel Gawrysiak, Morgan Brock, Jamie Bretl, Traci Christensen, Brenda Luna, and Lance Siler.