Loretta C. Sieben

Loretta C. Sieben, age 40-and-a-half of Hastings died on Tuesday morning, February 12, 2019, at United Hospital in St Paul. Although she was born in 1937, she attested that since she had to share everything with her twin, she was “only half of 81.” Peter Sieben and Catharine (Bauer) Sieben blessed the world with twin girls on 7-7-1937. Since “sieben” is German for seven, and they were tied for 7th child, both sisters considered their lucky number to be seven. While a necessity in her youth growing up during the Depression, her passion for being self-sufficient was carried throughout her whole life. Loretta never married, stating that “The only man ever good enough died on the cross two thousand years ago!” There is a nugget of truth in there, as she shone with an exceptionally pure and rare kind of divine love. In her love for her fellow humans she was a true believer in Christ, she always recognized when someone was hurting and reached out a hand, saw the good in people, was a peace maker, gave forgiveness freely, reaffirmed each person’s unique value, championed the underdog, had a generosity of spirit and had a giant soft spot for anyone down on their luck. She always put others first – her selflessness was legendary. Just ask anyone who worked with her at Smead, and the years she arrived before 4 a.m. to verify orders before they were sent to production. She was thankful to Ebba Hoffman for her first job in the mailroom. When Loretta felt her career had stalled, at the tender age of 52 she earned her college degree, and did it with honors. Classy. She was grateful to Sharon Avent for recognizing her talents and giving her a career of which she was proud. For over four decades she was the “go to” gal in the home office, who knew how to get things done, and knew the special interests of customers across the country. Her knowledge and sense of responsibility increased when she was selected as manager of the order processing department. When coworkers from out-of-state locations came to town, Loretta was their entertainment coordinator, chauffeur, counselor, and good friend. Naturally athletic and a skilled competitor throughout her life, Loretta enjoyed playing a variety of sports and recreational activities. Her brown eyes would sparkle with delight when she outplayed and outsmarted opponents who were decades younger, and who were foolish enough to judge a book by it’s cover and underestimate her aim, skill, athleticism and competitive nature. A pioneer of women’s athletics, she was a beloved coach of women’s softball and volleyball, and tireless organizer of tournaments. For players who came from a tough background, getting on Loretta’s team was their salvation. She defended her players and was their personal champion, giving some of them their first belief in their own self-worth. She discovered different ways to motivate each of them and adjusted her coaching to their learning style, modeled good sportsmanship and teamwork, and managed to weave many championship teams while having fun along the way. She enjoyed many things including shopping, feeding birds and squirrels, jigsaw puzzles, scoring deals on-line, being called Favorite Aunt, movies and popcorn, gadgets, chain letters, driving anywhere, cursing at autocorrect, Dramamine-fueled traveling, flying kites, and sometimes she had a rocky relationship with the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. She firmly believed that the least of us could be Christ, and she warmly welcomed everyone. Loretta treated the last two months of her life as a special gift and reached out to tell friends and family once more that she loved them. Loretta is survived by her siblings, Al (BettyLou Baysinger), Leander, Sister Petrann (SSND, Mankato), Tony (Carole), and her slightly-younger twin Lorraine (Ted) Johnson; and many nieces, nephews, niece in-laws, nephew in-laws, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces, great-great nephews, other relatives, neighbors and special friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Marvin and Clarence, sisters-in-law Lucille and Dorothy and Rosie, lifelong friend Ronnie Burr, and part of her right knee. She was a model of strong will and sheer determination right up until the end of her journey here on earth. In the final few days of her life Loretta talked openly to Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and her loved ones that have passed on, and they were happily welcoming her home. She took her last breath surrounded by loved ones, both here on earth and the other side. We loved her here – but as hard as it is to imagine – by what she was saying, their love is even better. Tremendous and genuine thanks go to the truly exceptional staff at the United Hospital-Intensive Care Unit, who provided much more than nursing care for Loretta, but also provided a peaceful and compassionate environment during her transition from this life to the next. Her soul is free of the body that betrayed her, and she is joyously gallivanting around the universe as the bodyless “gumdrop” she aspired to be. We extend our heartfelt invitation to her friends, family, and her favorite missionaries to celebrate her well-lived life by attending the Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. at St Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church (SEAS) in Hastings. A colorful dress code would be appreciated as black was not her color. Never one to dwell on the morbid, the brief visitation will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at SEAS. Immediately following the service interment will be held at SEAS cemetery in Hastings. Luncheon to follow. Please don't send flowers. Loretta would hope that you will do an unexpected act of kindness for some less fortunate soul, or reach out to a distant relative or neglected old friend. That's a lot cheaper than flowers and will last much longer. If you have an overpowering rush of generosity that demands fiscal action, then please give to your favorite local charity. Just tell them Loretta sent you, they’ll know who she is. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.