Walter T. "Tom" Sieberg Jr.

Walter T. (Tom) Sieberg, Jr., 66, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, August 23, 2016 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center, after a brief illness. Tom was born October 25, 1949, to Lillian Mae and Walter T. Sieberg, Sr. in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Cape Girardeau. Throughout his years, he was also actively involved with the Freemasons, having held a 32nd Master Mason degree as well as membership in the Scottish Rite. He was most recently a member of Harold O'Grauel Lodge in Cape Girardeau and served as Secretary of the Frank S. Land Fund. He was also a past Master and spent additional time involved with the Shriners. Tom received B.A., M.A., and Specialist degrees in Education – and coupled this with his lifelong love of music - to spend his years teaching scores of K-12 students band, choir and music appreciation. Over the years he was both a teacher and administrator, having worked in the Van Buren, Naylor, Bell City, Newburg and Sikeston school systems. He excelled at playing most musical instruments. He first learned to play the piano and organ, followed by the trombone, tuba, saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and guitar. In fact, he played for many church and civic service organizations throughout his years, including piano for the Cape Veterans Home and various Senior Citizen Centers in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, as well as for the residents of Current River Skilled Nursing Center in Doniphan, where he was staying shortly before his death. He could play many songs on the piano and organ from memory and was always entertaining - holding himself to a high standard of musical achievement. One of his fondest memories was taking part in a Miami Super Bowl halftime show with the Golden Eagles Marching Band. His history as a music educator inspired countless others to never forget the power of a song. He was incredibly fond of animals and had many treasured four legged companions (cats and dogs alike) throughout his life. He also loved to watch old Westerns, Elvis Presley, and listening to the radio - everything from 1940s swing music to Jazz. He is survived by his daughter, Heather (Mark) Johnson of Doniphan and brother Randy (Cheryl) Sieberg of Columbia, Missouri as well as a number of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and friends including his long-time neighbor, Marty King, and his favorite feline companion, Miss Kitty, the Original California cat. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved Boston Bull Terrier, Baxter Brownie Sieberg. If sending flowers does not fit your personality, Tom's family would encourage making a donation to your favorite animal shelter or the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, in memory of him. Visitation will be held from 5 - 7 p.m. on Friday, August 26 at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau, with a Masonic service at 6:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 27 at the funeral home with Rev. Tom Sullenger officiating. Burial will follow at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

Tributes

Walter T. "Tom" Sieberg Jr.

October 25, 1949 - August 23, 2016