Gordon Sietsema

Gordon Sietsema, 89, of Hampton, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2025, at Franklin Country View Nursing Facility. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton with burial in the Hampton Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sietsema-Atkinson Funeral Home in Hampton.

Born on August 20, 1935, in Eldora, Iowa, Gordon was the son of Harvey and Grace (Johns) Sietsema. He graduated from Ackley High School, where he excelled in athletics, especially baseball, earning a tryout with the Chicago White Sox. He continued his education at Ellsworth College and later attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science in Chicago, Illinois.

On August 13, 1954, Gordon was united in marriage with Merna Harken in Fort Dodge, Iowa. Shortly after, he proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.

Gordon began his career as a funeral director in 1959 at Green and Sietsema Funeral Home in Hampton. On July 1, 1969, he partnered with Trent Vogel to merge their funeral homes, forming Sietsema-Vogel Funeral Home, serving the communities of Hampton, Latimer, Dumont, and Allison. In 1988, Gordon stepped away from the business due to health concerns. However, his dedication to serving families never waned, and he returned to the funeral profession in 1991, continuing to work until his retirement in 1997. His compassion and commitment left a lasting impact on the communities he cared for.

In the early 1970s, Gordon earned his pilot’s license and developed a deep passion for flying. He spent many years in the skies, combining his love of aviation with his professional life whenever possible. He was also a proud member of the Flying Funeral Directors Association, a group that blended his two great interests—service and flight. Gordon continued to fly until health challenges eventually grounded him, but his love for aviation remained strong throughout his life.

Gordon was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hampton and was active in the community as a former member of the Hampton Lions Club and the Hampton Country Club. An avid golfer, Gordon played competitively at Ellsworth College and remained passionate about the game throughout his life, achieving an impressive seven holes-in-one. Alongside Merna, he competed in and won numerous husband-and-wife golf tournaments across North Iowa.

Family meant everything to Gordon. Cherished vacations were spent at Otter Tail Lake in Minnesota, and In 1978, Gordon and Merna built a home at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri—a new chapter that brought them great joy. This venture not only became a treasured getaway for the family, filled with years of cherished memories, but also opened the door to many new and lasting friendships. Their lake home was a special place where laughter was shared, stories were told, and bonds were formed that endured through the years. Gordon also enjoyed annual fishing trips to Canada with close friends.

Gordon is survived by his sons Randy (Debbie) Sietsema of Iowa Falls and Patrick (Maurita) Sietsema of Hampton; grandchildren Christopher Johnston, Scott Sietsema, Todd (Adriane) Sietsema, Brooke (Kohle) Arends, Madison Sietsema, and Morgan Sietsema; and great-grandchildren Jack, Charlee, Taylor, Jayce, Wyatt, and Mattie. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Sharon Sietsema of Northwood and Liz Sietsema of Eden Prairie, Minnesota.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Merna, daughter Pam, infant granddaughter Melissa, his parents, and brothers Ronald and Orville.