Sievers, Galen John

Galen John Sievers, 74, of Tipton, died suddenly Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Billings, Mont. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 4, at Fry Funeral Home in Tipton with the Rev. Ronald Lashmit officiating. Burial will follow in the Inland Cemetery, Bennett. Galen's family will receive friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Fry's.

A general memorial fund also has been established in his memory.

Online memorials and information may be found at .

Galen was born Nov. 29, 1938, in Davenport, Iowa, and was the son of Earle and Marilyn Burmeister Sievers. Galen was a 1957 graduate of the Bennett High School and attended Iowa State University. On Oct. 4, 1958, Galen was united in marriage to Patricia Lynne Johnston in Bennett. Galen was a farmer and a well-known and respected cattle buyer. He and Pat spent many months of the year locating and buying cattle in the West. During his time there, Galen fostered many long time relationships and generously shared his experiences. Galen loved the West, especially Montana. The many friendships he and Pat shared will always be cherished.

Galen's other love has always been horses. Upon retirement, Galen decided that Pat needed a racehorse. Thus began a fun and fulfilling adventure into thoroughbred racing. Wintering in Hot Springs, Ark., Galen and Pat enjoyed many rewarding moments in the winner's circle. Highlighting their stable was a co-owned horse that was the 2010 National Claiming horse of the year and Iowa Horse of the year.

Galen is survived by his wife, Pat of Tipton; daughters, Lisa Sievers and husband Vern Lewis of Dallas, Texas and Ellen Hermiston and husband Dean of New Liberty; son, Mike Sievers and wife Amy of Spencer; four grandchildren, Kaitlin Rasdon and husband Kevin, Andrew Hermiston and wife Sarah, Aric Sievers and Trey Sievers; and great-grandchildren, Emerson Rasdon, Piper Hermiston and Tristan Sievers.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 2, 2013.