Dewayne K. Sievers

Dewayne King Sievers, age 78, of Winfred, SD, passed away February 8, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at the Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls, SD, after a short but formidable illness. Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Willoughby Funeral Home in Howard, SD. Visitation will be 5-7 PM Monday at the funeral home and one hour preceding the service. Burial will be at Graceland Cemetery at Howard.

Dewayne Sievers was a loving, caring, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Everybody who knew Dewayne was frequently treated to his warm wisdom, renowned ability to tell great stories, some of which may have actually happened, and some intended as a parable or learning lesson for life. Dewayne had a passion for the outdoors, and was known as an accurate marksmen, a patient fisherman, and always made lasting memories with those treated to engage in those pursuits with him. He loved his family dearly and was an unimpeachable role model for them all throughout his life. He will be missed dearly by those left behind.

Dewayne was born in Howard, SD to Jake and Pauline (King) Sievers on March 13, 1945. He attended and graduated from Howard High School. In early 1964, he became an apprentice lineman in Local 426 of the IBEW in Sioux Falls. For the next 45 years, he traveled where the job took him, which was all over the Midwest. He was in Chicago when he met his wife and love of his life, Mary Ann (Gray). They were married in Davenport, Iowa on December 4th, 1965. They returned home to the family farm in 1969 where he and Mary Ann raised their four children: Dianne (Daniel) Dawson, Dan (Karen), David (Ginger), and Debra (Steve) Nelson. Dewayne and Mary Ann were blessed with 14 grandchildren who kept them busy and active into their retirement years. He was affectionately referred to as “Opie” by his grandchildren and their friends, which is a German word for “grandpa.”

Dewayne worked in the electrical trade in various positions, but in 1984, he took a job with the US Department of Energy, working for the government providing power all over the Great West and Western seaboard from the Oahe Dam in Pierre, South Dakota. Mary Ann kept the home fires burning with the children, and he returned every weekend to raise their children. He retired as the foreman of his crew in December 31, 2010, after earning several distinctions for safety and good practices for his men, some of which have been lifelong friends. Mary Ann loved Dewayne and their children and they raised them all to graduate college and have successful careers, which made them both very proud.

After Mary Ann retired in 2011, she and Dewayne spent many months traveling through Florida, California, Texas, Alaska, and an annual trip to Branson, MO, as well as infallibly attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. In all, Dewayne and Mary Ann traveled by pickup and camper through all 49 continental states, as well as Canada and Mexico.

Dewayne was proud to have stepped in when tragic deaths befell his loved ones. He stood in to dance for his son-in-law at Kelsey's wedding. He also was honored to walk his niece, Sara, down the aisle for his brother. In later years, Mary Ann suffered from Alzheimer’s. He was a staple in her memory care facility and routinely brought snacks and goodies for the residents there and lately at Bethel Lutheran home in Madison, SD. Although aging and some back problems slowed him down, he could always be depended upon to crack a good joke, or one of his famous stories. He was especially proud of his "Bird Dog" Blaze. His love was reciprocated by his friends and family. And although they mourn, Dewayne would want his loved ones to be relieved for him that his battle is over. Opie might say “Time marches on.” As usual, he is right, and we’re all grateful to have known and loved him.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, Jake and Pauline, brothers Dennis, Dean, sister Denise, and a special son-in-law and friend, Dan Dawson.

 He is survived in life by his wife Mary Ann and children Dianne, Dan (Karen), David (Ginger), Debra (Steve), fourteen grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren, and a brother Doug (Mary) and many special nieces and nephews.

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