Daniel E. Siebert

Daniel Emil Siebert, 87, of Eagan, Minnesota, passed away on February 22, 2025, at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville.

Dan was born on December 10, 1937, to Emil and Ruth (Winter) Siebert at their home in Burnstown Township, MN. He graduated from Faribault High School in 1955. With his mom’s written permission, he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He spent three years at Ramstein Air Base in West Germany. One of his favorite experiences was working at the Expo ’58 World’s Fair in Belgium. Upon leaving the Air Force, he worked as a mechanic for Mercury Aircraft in Faribault[1] . He went to Tulsa, Oklahoma and graduated from Spartan School of Aeronautics as a licensed A & P mechanic in 1963. Dan then worked for Gopher Aviation in Rochester, MN, to be near Carin (Berg), the love of his life. Two weeks before their marriage on June 19, 1964, he was laid off. He shook off his “greasy nails” and headed to the cities. He was hired by Northwest Airlines and worked there for 37 years. Career-wise, he would later describe this as one of the best things that ever happened to him. 

Shortly after moving to Eagan, he joined the Eagan Volunteer Fire Department. He served for 17 years, until health issues prevented further service. 

Throughout his life he enjoyed working on his 49 Chevrolet and other cars, traveling with friends and family; and gardening vegetables. He was an avid card player, bowler, runner, and handy man. A consummate sports fan, Dan followed the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and was involved in youth city sports leagues. He also enjoyed attending his kids’ games, where he always made his presence known!

After retirement, he joined the Dakota City Machinery Men, where they worked on antique farm equipment and tractors. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), volunteered at Fairview Ridges Hospital, and delivered Meals on Wheels. He was a frequent flyer to Texas, where he enjoyed time with his fourgrandchildren.

His faith was a cornerstone of his life, and he was an active, charter member of River Hills United Methodist Church. In the early years, he sang in the choir and played on the softball team. Throughout his life, he joined many Bible studies, and he served on various committees. The only committee he never served on was the catering committee, probably because his wife was in charge of that one.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and two infant brothers.

Daniel is survived by his wife of 60 years Carin, daughter Wendi (Mark) Gustafson, son Scott (Jennifer), and grandchildren, Kiersten, Benjamin, Lukin, and Parker. He is also survived by his sisters, Naomi (Ken) Mathes and Ellie Sharp, along with many other family members and friends. 

Interment will be held at 12:45 pm on June 13, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on June 14, at River Hills United Methodist Church, Burnsville, MN, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 am, and a reception afterward at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, trees, or gifts, memorial donations may be made to River Hills United Methodist Church in Burnsville, the American Heart Association, or the donor’s choice.