Ralph Dean Sieg, 87, passed away on May 12, 2024, at the Custer Center and Rehab in Custer, South Dakota.

Ralph was born in Hot Springs South Dakota to Carl and Magna (Fliflet) Sieg on August 10,1936 joining three sisters and two brothers.

Ralph went to elementary school at the Pioneer Museum, graduating high school in 1954. He then attended Chadron State College getting an associate degree in education. He taught 5th – 8th grade for 2 years in Smithwick South Dakota. During those years he gained lasting friendships with the students and families. He started the student's playing basketball and even won a trophy for the school.

In his life, sports have always been important. During high school he lettered in football, basketball, and track. He played basketball and ran track in college. In 2018 he was honored to be inducted into the Hot Springs Bison Athletics Hall of Fame. He enjoyed city pool league, rooting for his beloved Ohio State Teams and was an avid golfer. He taught all three of his kids, grandkids, friends and his wife to play golf.

In 1958 he married Nevetta Buhn Sieg. During their 65 years of marriage, they had three children. Randy, Radeen and Bart. Ralph worked hard for the family, but the most cherished time was with his wife and children. He was always around the house doing his equal share and supporting Nevetta, being a mentor to his children and their friends.

From 1960 -1966 he became study hall teacher at Hot Spring High School. During those years he was active in coaching Junior High football, basketball, and track. In the summer of 1966, he started working at the V.A. Center in Hot Springs South Dakota. He worked 30 years at the V.A. wearing many hats and ending up as Chief of Support Services. Many memories were made during those years.

Community service was important to him. Case Auditorium needed a new wood basketball floor. Ralph approached the school board to see what could be done. They told him "you raise $25,000 and we will get it done." Between donations from alumni, businesses, town people, Coke and Pepsi corporations $28,000 was raised and Case Auditorium got their first wood floor.  Ralph held many fundraisers for golf tournaments to help the Lions Club and the Girls Golf Team. He also enjoyed being part of sporting events, keeping the clock for Hot Springs Bison basketball games. For many years he ran the Father's Day Invitational Golf Tournament in Hot Springs, creating many friendships with members, sons, daughters and friends.

Ralph is survived by his wife Nevetta, Hot Springs, sons Randy (Linda Shearer) Sieg, Douglas Wy; Bart Sieg, Hot Springs SD; Radeen (Jon) Roth, Davie FL; Grandson Baylor (Kathleen) Sieg, Littleton CO; Chellsee (John) Arneson, Rapid City SD; and three great Grandchildren, Avery, Everly, and Della, Rapid City SD. Sister-In-Law Shirley Sieg, Hot Springs SD; Sister-In-Law Barbra Kane, Hot Springs SD; Sister-In-Law Tonia (Clint Gibson) Hand, Sheridan WY; as well as many nephews, nieces, friends and neighbors.

He is proceeded by his parents, brothers Harold Sieg, Irvin (Nadine) Sieg; Sisters Lorraine (Melvin) Sheets; Charmaine (Don) Pangburn; Marlene (Bob) Hitchcock. Brother-In-Law Jim Kane, and Daughter-In-Law Sonia (King) Sieg.

The Celebration of Life will be held on July 13, 2024, at the United Church in Hot Springs SD. The service will be at 10:00 AM with lunch and burial to follow.