David William Sieck
David William Sieck arrived December 25, 1959 in a Nebraska blizzard. He was fourth of five children, sharing his life with his siblings- three sisters and one brother, Connie Whitaker (Grant), Donna Ilten (deceased, Mark and Karen), Cliff Sieck and Carol Rave (Todd).
He lived a remarkable life. In a time when someone with his handicap was usually institutionalized, he lived with his parents (Leo and Ruth Sieck) in Beatrice, Neb., went to school, learned to read, write, and do math. He even commemorated graduation with cap and gown and celebrated confirmation in his church. Dave died of pneumonia Saturday, September 17, 2016.
After his father’s death, Dave and his mother extensively toured the United States, visiting Dave’s brother and sisters between bus tours. Eventually, Dave and his mother became world travelers touring Europe and New Zealand with his siblings.
Dave always wanted to be of service to others. Although he volunteered at his church, at the Senior Center, and at the “Y”, his biggest contribution was caring for his mother as Alzheimer’s closed her memory.
His passion was sports. Dave became a Special Olympian in Beatrice and then found a home in the “Y’s” Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics program in Stevens Point. A natural athlete (remember his first time at golf and the long drive that shamed us all) and a fierce competitor, Dave’s bulletin board and his shelf were heavy with ribbons and medals. His favorite sports were basketball, bowling, and track and field. He loved watching and talking football. As a loyal Nebraska Cornhusker, any day wearing red and cheering on the Huskers was the best.
After his mother’s death, Dave realized his dream to live in his own apartment. Daily he followed his schedule of athletic practice and volunteer jobs, finishing the evening reading a newspaper. Sundays saw him working as an usher or running errands for Sunday School at his church.
Thanks to all Dave’s special friends and all who were a part of his community in Beatrice, Nebraska and Stevens Point, Wisconsin supporting Dave as he reached for his dreams.
In Stevens Point, Wisconsin, a visitation will be held at Boston Funeral Home Friday, September 30, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM and at St. Paul Lutheran Church on Saturday, Oct. 1, 10:00 AM followed at 11:00 AM by a service celebrating his life. Interment will be Friday, October 7 at 10:00 AM in Greenwood Cemetery, Seward, Neb.
Memorials can be made to Special Olympics or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Stevens Point, Wis.