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Donald A. "Donnie" Sieler, 85, passed away in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at Avera Heart Hospital, surrounded by love and family and leaving behind a lifetime of memories, stories, hard work, and devotion to his family.

Donnie was born on October 23, 1940 in McIntosh, SD and spent the majority of his life there, a community that was home to him for many years. He married the love of his life, Darlene Blotsky on January 22, 1963. He was a hardworking man who truly loved to work, and perhaps nothing captured that better than his years drilling water wells. He always had a story to share about his workday. Those stories became part of who he was, and his family heard many of them over the years.

In 2020, Donnie and his beloved wife, Darlene, made the decision to move to Sioux Falls to be closer to their family. Being near his family was incredibly important to him.

Throughout his life, Donnie was never afraid of hard work or trying something different. After moving to Sioux Falls, he worked in the maintenance department at Avera Hospital. He later decided to change lanes and went to work for Ace Neon Signs. He later worked for Waste Management until his retirement.

Even retirement couldn't completely keep Donnie from working. He continued picking up occasional jobs, doing maintenance for an apartment management company and various odd jobs, including working on mopeds and vehicles for Scarborough Auto sales. If something needed to be fixed, Donnie was often willing to give it a try.

But as much as Donnie valued hard work, nothing meant more to him than his family.

Donnie was the kind of man who would give the shirt off his back to absolutely anyone. His favorite pastime was simply being with the people he loved. His family will miss his stories—even the ones they had heard more than once. They will miss his laughter, his advice, his grin, his willingness to help with just about anything, and the simple comfort of knowing he was there.

Whether the family was gathered around playing cards, competing in a game of Aggravation, or just sitting together talking and reminiscing about the past, those were the moments that mattered most to him. For those who loved Donnie, saying goodbye will never feel like enough. There will be an empty chair at the card table, one less voice telling stories about the old days, and no one quite as quick to name the singer when an old country song comes on the radio.

He also had an incredible love and knowledge of country music. It seemed that no matter what country song came on the radio, Donnie could immediately tell you who sang it. His family often joked, "Who needs Shazam when you have Dad?"

Something very special about Donnie was he was an amazing dancer, especially the waltz. Anyone who had an opportunity to dance with him would agree.

Above all, Donnie loved and adored his wife, Darlene. His face would light up whenever he talked about her. The love he had for her was unmistakable.

That same love extended deeply to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family was his pride and joy, and he cherished every opportunity he had to spend time with them, whether it be in person or over the phone.

There is comfort in knowing that on Donnie's final day, he was surrounded by family. He was able to see the people he loved, talk to the family members who could not be present, and hold his great-grandchildren one last time. For a man whose greatest joy was his family, there could hardly have been a more meaningful way to spend his final day-a precious memory his family will forever carry with them.

Donnie also left an impression on the people who cared for him. Many of his doctors would affectionately ask how their "favorite patient" was doing, a reflection of the warmth and personality he shared with those around him.

Darlene will miss the husband who loved and adored her. His children will miss their dad. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren will miss their grandpa and great-papa. But each of them carries a piece of Donnie with them—in the stories they will continue to tell, the traditions they will keep, the songs that will make them think of him, and the countless memories made simply sitting together as a family.

So when an old country song comes on, when the cards are dealt, when someone pulls out the Aggravation board, or when a familiar family story gets told for the hundredth time, Donnie will be there in the memories and laughter.

We love you, Donnie, Dad, grandpa and great papa. We will miss you more than words can say. Thank you for the stories, the laughter, the lessons, and most of all, the love. You gave your family a lifetime of memories, and we will carry them—and you—with us always.

Donnie is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Sieler; his children, DeDe Sieler Pearce and her husband, Bill Pearce; Kristy Seiler and her significant other, Bruce Callsen; Clint Sieler and his wife, Amber Sieler and Frank Seiler Jr-forever a son-in-law.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Shayla Kruse and her husband, Thom Kruse; Kiara Seiler and her husband, Brian Bowlsby; Dayden Seiler; Journey Pearce and her significant other, Brandon Tomiak; Ahsia Pearce and her significant other, Jake Memmott; Aspen Pearce, Arty Sieler; and his four great-grandchildren, Hadley Kruse, Calvin Kruse, Lux Sieler Bowlsby and Marvin Svatos and step grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Donnie was preceded in death by his father, Art Sieler; his mother, Christine Sieler; and his sisters, Joan Bonagofsky, Carol Erickson, Sharon Pilaczynski, and Pam Maze.

Family visitation will be held Sunday, September 13, from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m. for family, followed by visitation for family and friends from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The funeral service will be held Monday, September 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, 501 7th Ave. W., Lemmon, South Dakota.

Burial will follow at McIntosh Cemetery.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to gather at McIntosh City Hall to celebrate Donnie's life.