Mrs. Geneva Ann Siegmund

Geneva Ann Siegmund, 70, of Salisbury passed away quietly on Thursday, February 12, 2015 at Autumn Care of Salisbury. Geneva was born on October 5, 1944 on the family farm near Pella, Iowa. Her mother, Dorothy De Vries, had only a fourth-grade education and her father, Cecil De Vries, was a farmer and cattle buyer. She often reflected back on memories from the farm and life in Pella that included her parents, her brothers (Fred, Stan, and Jerry), and her school friends. Geneva said she learned to be a peacemaker from her mother and developed a love for math like her father. She grew up learning about hard work, strength of family, and loss with the death of her baby brother Jerry when she was a young child. She also grew up learning about the power and sovereignty of God and the saving gift of salvation through faith in Jesus. At a young age, she placed her trust in Jesus and committed her life to Him. Geneva attended Pella Christian Grade and High Schools. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from Dordt College and a Master’s Degree in Math Education from the University of Illinois. She loved learning, especially math, and had simple hopes and dreams- to be a wife, a teacher, and a mother. She was obedient to the Lord and His calling and leading on her life. On June 28, 1973, she married Ralph Charles Siegmund. Her daughter Julie Ann was born in 1977. Her daughter Cindy Lynn was born in 1979. Years later, she would say that her favorite memories were the moments her own daughters became mothers. Her family has been forever impacted by her love and example. Over the years, she has touched thousands of lives through her dedication to Christian education. In 1986, she began working at North Hills Christian School in Salisbury as a math teacher and later as a principal. She found joy in the simple moments such as hugs from students and scholastic accomplishments from struggling students. She worked tirelessly to strengthen, grow, and bring accreditation to the school. She did these things with a quiet, mild spirit of leadership. She said her proudest moment was the day she was asked to be principal at North Hills. Her journey has not always been easy, but she has displayed a quiet strength through the storms of life. In her late 50s, she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. It was an earth shaking diagnosis. Still, she never doubted God. She never questioned His plan for her life. Her mother, father and brother Jerry have proceeded her to Heaven. She remains loved and adored by her husband Ralph Siegmund, daughter Julie (and grandson Dakota) Siegmund, daughter Cindy (and Phil and grandchildren Evan and Ella) King, brother Fred (and Hazel) De Vries, and brother Stan (and Ruth) De Vries. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Monday (February 16) at Summersett Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Kenneth Lance, officiating. Interment will follow at City Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Wycliffe Bible Translators, P.O. Box 628200, Orlando, FL 32862 or at www.wycliffe.org

Mrs. Geneva Ann Siegmund

October 5, 1944 - February 12, 2015