Charles (Chuck) Frederick Siewert (1935-2025)
Charles (Chuck) Siewert, aged 89, died January 22, 2025 at his home in Caldwell, Idaho. Our beloved husband, father and grandfather was anxious to go home to be with Jesus; he passed peacefully with loved ones at his bedside.
Chuck was born on December 20, 1935, in Santa Ana, California, to Leonard William Siewert and Harriet Ruth (Hauptman) Siewert. He was the last of four children, joining sister, Dorothy (Dottie) and brothers, William (Bill) and John. His childhood was a happy one, growing up with his siblings on an orange grove in Anaheim, on West St. They all helped on the orange grove but seemed also to have plenty of time for shenanigans (often occurring in the middle of the night).
The Siewerts attended church at Calvary in Placentia; it was here in 1951 that Harriet Sherwood caught his eye and by 1952 they were a couple. Chuck attended Katella Grammar School and graduated from Anaheim Union High School in 1954. He attended Cal Poly in San Dimas, before joining the Army in the fall of 1955. In March of 1956, Chuck had a week-long leave to come home, before being sent overseas. He and Harriet were married on March 14 th and four days later he was on his way to Germany. Stationed at Nellingen military base, he worked in the body shop, repairing Jeeps and trucks. Harriet joined him in June and on several leaves, they toured Europe in their little red Austin Healey.
They returned to Anaheim in the summer of 1957 and he was honorably discharged. Chuck’s dad had sold the orange grove and southern California’s urban sprawl was advancing. Chuck went to work for a produce company in Olive, Calif. but wanted very much to farm. As a teen, he had enjoyed exploring Idaho with his dad, so in March of 1959, Chuck and Harriet quit their jobs, packed up their belongings and moved to Canyon County, Idaho.
In the spring of 1960, they purchased the first of several farms, southwest of Caldwell. He loved having his own farm and learning about row crops from his neighbors. For the next 55 years he worked hard to be a good steward of the earth. Their first child was born in 1960 and over the next 14 years they went on to have four more children. While raising children, they also raised sugar beets, beans, corn, wheat, barley and alfalfa. Everyone worked hard – irrigating, field work, rock-picking and sage-brush removal. Beet harvest was a favorite season when Grandpa & Grandma Siewert, uncles, cousins, and friends came to help!
Chuck and Harriet began attending Caldwell First Baptist in 1960 and over the next 60 plus years, made many friends (of all ages) and happy memories. Chuck loved and served his local church body in so many capacities. He had a heart for the ministry of the Boise Rescue Mission and attended many Friday evening meetings at the mission on Front St. in Boise. He also loved the ministry of church camp and spent many years serving Warm Lake Bible Camp. Chuck’s faith grew over the years; he loved to study Scripture and was awed by the incredible gift of Jesus, his Savior-Redeemer. He wanted all to know that God is loving, with grace and mercy for everyone (John 6:40).
For thirty years, Chuck and Harriet enjoyed spending time at their cabin in Donnelly – alone or with family and friends. In retirement years, they were able to take annual camping trips with Chuck’s siblings and spouses. It was always a good time with much laughter when the eight of them were together! Chuck and Harriet also traveled with their RV to Death Valley and Nye County, Nevada in the winter – where they soaked up the winter sun and Chuck explored the hills on his dirt bike.
He cherished his wife and best friend, Harriet; he loved and enjoyed his children and grandchildren. He was genuine, friendly, generous, determined, fair, wise and discerning, an avid reader and lifelong learner. He was also a little ornery, impatient and always a tease. He loved cars, motorcycles, loud organ music, timeless hymns, classical music, old westerns, See’s Candies, oranges and Harriet’s cooking. He had a great sense of humor, gave good hugs and good advice (only when asked) and faithfully prayed for us.
His absence leaves such a void, but we are thankful and comforted to know he is safely home!
Chuck was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Ruth; his sister, Dottie; and brothers, Bill and John. He is survived by his wife of nearly 69 years, Harriet; his five children, Stephanie (Mark) Tally of Caldwell, ID; Stan (Gina Bosco) Siewert of Caldwell, ID; Katie Tall of Caldwell, ID; Abdou Tall (former son-in-law) of Dakar, Senegal; James (Heidi) Siewert of Donnelly, ID and Carrie (Bryan) Churchill of Eagle, ID. Grandchildren and great grandchildren: Savannah (Hank) Hetrick, Thatcher and Hadley; Sophia Tally; Zoe (Derik) Flensburg; Fatima, Yassin, Ibrahim and Ami Tall; Jamie (Lochlan) Frederick; Bailey, Shelby, Elsa and Carly Siewert; Benjamin Churchill; Ellie (Joe) DeKold, William; and Cam Churchill. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Bonnie Clampitt of Corona, CA and Joyce Siewert of Spokane, WA, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
The family, would like to thank Chuck’s medical providers: Dr. Richard Augustus, Dr. J’Cinda Bitters, Dr. Lyndon Box, Rachel Nutting PA, Dr. Christopher Keller and Cypress Cooper NP. You were wise, kind, and caring. We are also grateful for the Ancora Hospice team. You came alongside us and made everything easier.
A celebration of Chuck’s home-going will be held on Saturday, February 8 th , 1 pm, at First Baptist Church, 221 E. Linden, Caldwell, ID.
If desired, memorial donations in Chuck’s memory may be directed to the Boise Rescue Mission, PO Box 1494, Boise, ID 83701 or at the website boiserm.org/donate/ (Tribute Gift option).
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City, ID.