John Edward Siemek

John E. Siemek, age 88, of Lewiston, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on October 12, 2025, at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, surrounded by his family.

John Edward was born on March 8, 1937, in Columbus, Nebraska, to John and Florence (Brudny) Siemek. His father passed away when John was 18. His mother later married Henry Bielecki, who was a devoted husband to her. John attended Creighton Preparatory School in Omaha, Nebraska, where he graduated before beginning his career. John spent his early years in Omaha before moving to St. Louis, Missouri, where he worked for Monsanto and later Moog Automotive. In 1985, he and his family relocated to Rochester, Minnesota, where he joined Mayo Clinic as the data center manager, a role he held until his retirement. John proudly served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged following his father’s death. While working as a railroad tour guide, he met Mary C. Lammering in Missouri. The couple married and began their family in Omaha before moving to St. Louis, where they welcomed their third child.

An avid and accomplished bowler, John earned numerous awards and once considered playing professionally on the PBA tour. He also loved golf and fishing—especially trout fishing at Bennett Spring State Park in Missouri and later walleye fishing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters. John enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: playing cards, visiting the casino, and spending time with friends. He valued his many friendships over the years, especially those with Ron and Bev in St. Louis and Ken and Karin in Lewiston.

Above all, John loved his children and cherished time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose smiles and energy brought him tremendous joy. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist and Pax Christi Catholic Churches in Rochester, and later St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston.

John is survived by his three children, Carrie, John, and Edward (Michele), Siemek; one stepson, Bob (Sara) Newbegin; six grandchildren, Shelby (Jesse), Rachel (Tanner), Ben, Jordan, Kate, Lydia; and five great-grandchildren, Anna, Bryce, Blake, Brooke, and Blaire (due in November). He is also survived by his brother, Bill Siemek, and brother-in-law, Larry Veasman.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Henry Bielecki, sister Mary Lou Veasman, and his wife, Mary, who passed away in 1982.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Lewiston.

Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. 

Burial will follow in the parish cemetery.