John T. Siewert, age 99, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, at his home.

John was born on February 24, 1924, in Port Edwards, WI to Valentine and Dorothy (Meunier) Siewert. He graduated from Lincoln High School class of 1941, then enlisted in the US Navy. After returning home from WW-II he attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and earned a degree in Business.

John married Ida Lee Chiappetta on February 23rd, 1952, in Kenosha, WI. They then started their family in South Bend, IN, relocating to Wisconsin Rapids in 1954, so John could join his father and brother in the family business of insurance and real estate and eventually brought his eldest son, JR, into the business, eventually name Coldwell Banker Siewert Realtors, which remains a market leading business.

John was elected to several terms on the Wood County Board of Supervisors for over 30 years. He served on many committees, most notably Sheriff and Traffic, Highway and Health Department. He was an original board member for the Founding of the United Way in Wisconsin Rapids. A member of Wisconsin Rapids Rotary Club for 67 years and had a perfect attendance for over 60 years, National Cribbage Association and National Racquetball Association. He competed at a national level throughout his 80s in both game and sports.

With service in both the European and Pacific conflicts, Normandy/France had a special place in his heart having been the helmsman of the USS Satterlee DD-626, the first American ship at the Normandy coast, Pointe du Hoc, on D-Day, 6 June 1944 providing close fire support for the US Rangers. He returned to Normandy with family and friends over a dozen times to share with others, especially young people, lessons about peace, service, and duty. He received many awards, including the freedom cross of the French Free Forces, Silver Medal of Souvenier Francais, and the highest honour for military service to France, The National Order of the Legion of Honour.