Emma M. Siebenaler

Emma Marie Siebenaler, age 98 of Hastings, died peacefully on Thursday, April, 22, 2021, at Regina Senior Living in Hastings. Emma was born in Hampton on July 6, 1922, to Henry and Anna (Irrthum) Hoffmann and raised on the farm near Hampton. She moved to St. Paul and worked as a nanny and housekeeper for several years and then moved to San Francisco in 1942 to be married to Bill Siebenaler on February 24, 1943. Bill served in the US Army where they lived off base until after the war, later returning home to take up farming on the Siebenaler homestead where they raised seven children. Emma was active in her parish community St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, Minnesota. She especially loved activities supporting the parish and the Catholic School. Emma was a dedicated mom, grandmother and great grandmother. She enjoyed gardening, crocheting, ceramics and traveling with friends and family. Emma was continually active in Local, State and National elections and served as Dakota County District Chairperson in the DFL. Emma always found time to help someone in need, and while she was still capable of driving, she chauffeured many Vermillion women unable to drive to and from many activities. One of her most amazing talents was bringing her family together for great food and exceptional conversations. When she and Bill moved to Vermillion in 1976, they hosted Sunday morning breakfasts for any or all of the seven children and their families. At times all were present and sometimes only one family would show. The number of eggs and amount of bacon in the pan, toast and pancake batter would increase based on the headcount. Emma continued this tradition on her own after Bill died in 1983. In 24 years of Sunday morning breakfasts, there were only three occasions where no one showed up. She was always the mother hawk looking after her young. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; grandchildren Marty John Siebenaler; brothers, Leonard and John; and by her sisters, Veronica (Gores), Mary (Peine), Delores (Halfen). She is survived by her sister, Patricia Faast; children, Bill (Rose) Siebenaler, Mary (Paul Murphy), Robert (Jo) Siebenaler, Diane (Ken) Thurmes, Jack (Sally) Siebenaler, Dan (JoAnn) Siebenaler, and Chuck (Faith) Siebenaler. Her precious memory will also be lived through 26 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren; and by many other relatives and longtime friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Vermillion, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday afternoon at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St John the Baptist Catholic School, Hastings Family Service or to the Regina Hospital Auxiliary. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.