Mary Siemonsma
Mary Josephine (Christiansen) Siemonsma, 79, of Madison, South Dakota, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on August 9th, at the Sanford Hospice Cottage in Luverne, MN. Mary Jo was born on August 30, 1944, in Madison, SD, to Paul and Bernardine (Barrick) Christiansen. She graduated from General Beadle High School in Madison, SD, and attended General Beadle College, where she earned an associate’s degree in Elementary Education. In 1965, Mary Jo married James Siemonsma, starting a shared life filled with love and devotion.
Mary Jo was a devoted Catholic and a monumental champion of Tradition. She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. Mary Jo grew up on a small farm near Madison, South Dakota, where she cherished her upbringing and the simple joys of farm life. This joy continued into adulthood when Mary Jo joined James on his family farm near Colton, SD, where she dedicated her life to raising her seven children, spending time with her grandchildren, and preparing warm meals for all who supported the harvest each year. Known for her exceptional baking skills, Mary’s pies were legendary among family and friends. She was always willing to share her baking, and her generosity knew no bounds. Mary Jo deeply loved her garden, taking immense pride in growing and canning the bounty it provided. Her green thumb and dedication to her garden were a testament to her nurturing spirit.
One of Mary Jo’s fondest memories was playing in a band with her father, with him on the guitar and her on the organ. This created a tradition that instilled in her a lifelong love of music and a future of “jam sessions” at every family gathering. Painting was also one of Mary Jo’s true passions. She indeed had a natural talent for putting the world onto a canvas.
In retirement, Mary Jo and James embraced the “snowbird” lifestyle. They spent their winters traveling to Arizona, where they developed a deep appreciation for everything the desert had to offer. In recent years, they have established a second home and cherished the friendships they have formed, which have come to feel like family.
Mary Jo is survived by her loving husband, James Siemonsma, of 59 years, her seven children, David (Michelle) Siemonsma, Baltic, SD; Charles (Silvia) Siemonsma, Long Beach, CA, James (Jana) Siemonsma, Springfield, MO, Julie (Randy) Weller, Weston, WI, Steven (Angelique) Siemonsma, Rapid City, SD, Paul (Christina) Siemonsma, Bristol, SD, Regina (Stephen) Guinn, Bennington, NE, 25 grandchildren, Melissa (Preston) Madsen, Matthew Siemonsma, Joseph (Phyllis) Siemonsma, Morgan (Jace) Hanisch, Jaden Siemonsma, Samantha Ferguson, Dylan Ferguson, Alex Ferguson, Isabella Siemonsma, Kelsey (Scot) Neuhalfen, Kailey Siemonsma, Landon Weller, Lauryn Weller, Hanna Siemonsma, Holli Siemonsma, Holden Siemonsma, Hadley Siemonsma, Skye Warwick, Ciara Benson, Leo Siemonsma, Ian Siemonsma, Tye Siemonsma, Connor Guinn, Callen Guinn, Colton Guinn, six great-grandchildren, her three sisters, Peg (John) Martin, Sioux Falls, SD, Linda (Bernie) Heilman, Madison, SD, Norma (Bob) Martin, Madison, SD, three Step-Siblings, Donyce (Pete) Eekhoff of White, SD, Holyce Nissen of Ames, IA, Joslyn (Gordon) Lubbers of Iowa Falls, IA, many nieces and nephews; and many close friends (especially from Butterfield RV Park) too numerous to name whom she loved and considered her extended family. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Mary Jo is preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Bernardine Christiansen, brother Duane Christiansen, stepmother Audrey Christiansen, two great-grandchildren, Rhett Siemonsma and Ryder Siemonsma and two step-brothers, Monty Friedow and Kyle Friedow.
Mary Jo’s warmth, spirit, and selflessness touched the lives of many. She will be deeply missed but forever remembered for her unwavering love and the countless beautiful memories she created.
The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday, August 15th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Rustand-Weiland Funeral Home at 320 N Egan Ave, Madison, SD. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 7:00 PM. A private family Requiem Mass will be offered for the repose of Mary Jo’s soul with a private family interment at St. Thomas Cemetery, Madison, South Dakota, following the Mass. Online condolences can be sent at www.rustandweilandfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted with Rustand-Weiland Funeral Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, the family, honoring Mary Jo’s wishes, requests charitable donations be made to Immaculate Heart Seminary, P.O. Box 56, Round Top, New York 12473, or The Daughters of Mary, P.O. Box 205, Round Top, New York 12473.
