Velma Mae Siefers

Velma Mae (Kaufman) Siefers passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017 in Manhattan, Kansas at the age of 90. She was born on July 5, 1927 in rural Russell County, Kansas to the late George and Eva (Whitmer) Kaufman. She grew up in the Dorrance, Kansas area and graduated from Dorrance High School with the Class of 1945, then attended Brown Mackie College where she received a certificate in office administration. On September 29, 1949 she was united in marriage to Orval M. “Casey” Siefers in Wilson, Kansas. They were blessed with four children, Susan, Debbie, Bill, and Mary Kay. Velma was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She not only worked to take care of her family at home, but was a part-time Postal Clerk for the United States Postal Service for over 40 years, and eventually retired from the Dorrance Schools in 1999, after 30 years as a school secretary. She enjoyed playing Bridge, and was a member of the Dorrance American Legion Auxiliary, Lions Club of Dorrance and Bunker Hill, St. Joseph Altar Society of Dorrance, Daughters of Isabella, and Sorosis Club of Wilson. But most of all, she loved being with family, friends, and neighbors at every opportunity. Velma is survived by her children Susan Thielen of Dorrance, Debbie Brenneman and husband Greg of Solomon, Bill Siefers and wife Julie of Plainville, and Mary Kay Siefers and partner Nancy Bolsen of Manhattan; sister Joan Weigel and husband Fred of Russell; grandchildren Joe Thielen and wife Kelly, Matt Thielen and wife Lori, Kevin Thielen and wife Sharon, John Brenneman and wife Stacia, Jody McClelland and husband Tim, Adam Siefers, Alicia Basgall and husband D.J., and Rebecca Clem and husband Brett; and 17 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents George and Eva Kaufman, husband Casey Siefers, and son-in-law Joe Thielen. It has been said that the best things in life are free: hugs, smiles, friends, family, love, laughter, and good memories. Velma will be forever missed and her memories forever cherished by family and friends alike. She showed us by example how to live every moment, laugh every day, and love beyond words. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dorrance. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be from 2:00-8:00pm on Tuesday at the funeral home in Wilson with family receiving friends from 6:00-8:00pm and Prayer Vigil at 7:00pm.