James "Jim" Allen Siewenie's Obituary
James “Jim” Allen Siewenie, 79, of Farr West, Utah, succumbed to pneumonia and heart failure on October 3, 2025. He was born on September 17, 1946, in Chicago, IL. In 1955 and at age nine, his family moved to Germany for a year before settling back in the Chicago area. After all those years he still could speak German.
Jim signed up for the United States Navy when he turned 18, on September 18, 1964. He served aboard the USS Kearsarge (CVS-33) and was honorably discharged on April 16, 1967. He was a very proud Vietnam War Veteran and spoke often about his on-ship experiences observing enemy and Russian craft in the Gulf of Tonkin on the radar scope and welcoming US aircraft returning from bombing missions. One story he was particularly fond of telling was his first equator crossing and how as a Slimy Pollywog went through the traditional hazing by shipmates to become a Trusty Shellback.
For most of his life, Jim lived and worked in the Chicagoland area. He was a master carpenter who owned a construction business and the homes he built and remodeled are spread throughout Lake in the Hills, IL and the surrounding communities. He was known in the community for his fine woodworking craftsmanship, and he enjoyed passing on the trade tips and techniques to those who were eager to learn.
Jim and his wife Marianna (Mary) were extremely active in their communities and often fondly recalled their trip to Guatemala with the Rotary Club of Lake in the Hills, where he constructed sustainable fish tanks which simultaneously supported vegetable and tilapia production.
Jim has two children, Michael Siewenie and Tracey Siewenie Baelum. In 1986 he married Marianna (Fugiel) Dubovik and became stepfather to Alex and Tania Dubovik.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, two children, two stepchildren, eight grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and many friends and family in Illinois and Utah, where he and Mary have lived since 2013.
He will always be remembered for his patriotism, big heart, selfless service and deep love for family and friends.
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