Obit: Siems, James “Smokey” (1929 - 1996)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Siems, Westphal, Helmuth, Johnson, Niese

----Source: Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home (Nekoosa, Marathon Co., WI) 1/04/2021

Siems, James “Smokey” (26 December 1929 – 14 May 1996) With Flag

James “Smokey” Siems, 66, of 31 Lavigne Ave., died Tuesday, May 14, 1996, Riverview Hospital, Wis. Rapids.

Mr. Siems was born Dec. 26, 1929, in Neillsville, to Helmuth and Mina (Westphal) Siems. He married Shirley Helmuth Sept. 11, 1954, in Port Edwards.

He was employed by the village of Port Edwards for 37 years, retiring in December 1991. He served in the U.S. Army with the 24th Infantry from 1949-52 during the Korean War and was a member of Nekoosa American Legion and VFW and Eagles Club. He enjoyed spending time with his dog Madina.

Survivors include his wife Shirley; three daughters, Rosemarie Siems and Tina (Ken) Johnson, both Wis. Rapids, and Peggy Siems, Port Edwards; five sons, Dan of Unionville, Mo. Mark and Larry, both of Vesper, Ronnie (Shelly), of Wis. Rapids, and Todd, of Port Edwards; four grandchildren, Christina Johnson, Nicole Johnson, Michelle Siems and Maci Siems; one sister, Helen Siems, Port Edwards; and two brothers, Floyd (Lila) and Henry (Barbara), both of Wis. Rapids.

He was predeceased by his parents and two sons Jack and Brad, who died in 1982. (*see note below).

Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday at United Methodist Church. Friends may call at Feldner/Ritchay Funeral Home, Nekoosa, from 4-8 p.m. today, and at the church from noon-1 p.m. Friday. The Rev. Rebecca Neal Niese will officiate. Burial will be in the village of Port Edwards Cemetery.

*Two killed in fire at Port Edwards:

Jack Siems, 23, and his brother Brad, 6, were killed late Sunday when a fire broke out in the home of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Siems, Port Edwards.

Wood County Coroner James Brietenstein said the victims died from smoke inhalation and third degree burns. The two were pronounced dead at Riverview Hospital, Wis. Rapids. Authorities said jack was killed while trying to rescue his brother from the two-story building.

A state fire marshal said this morning that a lighted candle ignited the upstairs floor or some furniture. Eight members of the family were in the home when the fire broke out.

The Port Edwards Fire Department was called to the scene at 11:25 p.m. Sunday. Although a total damage was not available, Fire Chief Rudolph Forth said the interior of the home was almost a complete loss.

One truck and five firefighters remained at the scene until dawn. Several of the 25 firefighters called to the scene were treated for electrical shocks and heat exhaustion.