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Robert Eugene Sievers passed away on Feb. 25, 2025, at the age of 76 at Buena Vista Regional Medical Center in Storm Lake, after a long and challenging battle with cancer and other health ailments that he experienced over recent years.
Funeral services will take place Saturday, March 1, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Columbkille Catholic Church in Varina, where Rob has been an active parishioner his whole life. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to an animal shelter of your choosing. Fratzke & Jensen Funeral Home in Storm Lake is in charge of the arrangements.
Rob was born to his parents, Vernon and Margaret Sievers, on Dec. 6, 1948, in Storm Lake. After graduating from Albert City-Truesdale High School in 1967, he attended Iowa Central Community College. Following college, he was a member of the Army Reserves for six years.
Growing up in a small farming community outside of Albert City, he developed a strong work ethic and a deep love of farming that led to 55 years of doing what he loved best. Rob built a successful farming business where he worked alongside his brother and sons. He was a hard-working farmer, leading with integrity and strong values, teaching all his children the value of a strong work ethic. He frequently quoted, "A little hard work never killed anyone." He lived by that motto until his health deteriorated in recent months.
Some of the family’s fondest memories include sitting around the kitchen table, having a cup of coffee, and sharing old family stories. There was never a shortage of coffee or chocolate in his home. Rob loved his time on his farmstead and could always be found riding his John Deere tractor or Gator around the farm accompanied by Skye, his beloved golden retriever.
Rob was most happy when he was on his farm surrounded by his family. He loved spending his time watching basketball, especially rooting for his favorite teams, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Iowa State Cyclones. You could be sure to catch Rob at a local sporting event, cheering on his grandchildren.
Rob's greatest joy came from his family. He leaves behind his wife, Karen, of 56 years, as well as their four children: Lori Gatto (David) of Bainbridge Island, Wash.; Lynn Hoffman (Paul) of Mill Valley, Calif.; Nathan Sievers (Julie) and Clint Sievers (Nicole), both of Albert City. He was proud of his six grandchildren, including: Aya and Lucy Gatto, Ava Hoffman, Bailey (Cade Rohwer), Carter and Ellie Sievers. Rob also leaves behind three siblings, including Steve Sievers (Eveleen) of Sioux City; Tom Sievers (Marlene) of Storm Lake; and Joleen Kragt (Joel) of Mount Prospect, Ill.
Rob’s family would like to thank the extraordinary staff of Buena Vista Regional Medical Center for their compassion, attention and patience over the past several days.
Rest now farmer. For this one farmer the worries are over, lie down and rest your head, your time has been and struggles enough, put the tractor in the shed.
