William M. Siefers

William M. Siefers (Bill, Marland, Abe), 80, passed from this life on May 21, 2016. He was born on April 11, 1936 in Wilson to John and Sarah (Peirano) Siefers, who preceded him in death. Bill was the youngest of seven children, all of whom proceeded him in death: John Seifers, Jr., Bernice Zorn, Orval, Milton, Merrill and Kenneth Siefers. His grandchild, Lyle Ptacek also preceded him in death. Bill married Barbara Martin August 17, 1957 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Dubuque. A good husband, and a beloved dad and grandpa, Bill was proud of his children and grandchildren. Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, and five children: Rene’ (Stan) Ptacek, Dorrance; Denise (Mike) Slaven, Overland Park; Bill Siefers Jr., and Rosemary Dietz, Wilson; and Stephanie (Todd) Brown, Russell. There are fifteen grandchildren: Andy (Jaime) Ptacek, Littleton, CO; Aubrey Ptacek, Wilson; Kaitlin Ptacek, Dorrance; Chelsea Slaven-Davis, Portland, OR; Dylan Slaven, Overland Park; Annemarie Slaven, Denver, CO; James Slaven, Garden Grove, CA; Sarah Jo Slaven, KC, MO; Mary Kate and Magdalene Slaven, Overland Park; Gage and Riley Dietz, Wilson; Alex and Hunter Brown, Manhattan, and Ashtyn Brown, Hays. There are three great grandchildren: Pan and Quinn Slaven-Davis and Luke Ptacek. A wide variety of experiences filled Bill’s working life: roughnecking and pumping in the oil fields, serving in the U.S. Army, and farming and ranching. He was a Wilson police officer, a Dorrance High School janitor, a U.S. mail carrier, a used car salesman, and a gun reloader. Bill was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dorrance, Knights of Columbus Council 1924, and American Legion Post 262 where he was commander for eight years. Bill was a collector of jokes and other things. He loved animals of all kinds—almost as much as he loved killing them. . . he was a skilled hunter and fisherman. Bill was a good friend to many and never knew a stranger. We will miss the sparkle in your eyes and the kindness you showed to all people. See you in Heaven, Poppa Woppa!