Charlotte J. "Char" Sieben

Charlotte Jean (Gove) Sieben, age 88 of Hastings, MN, passed away peacefully at home Saturday evening, November 7, 2020. She was preceded in death by her mother Felicitas (Reichling) Gove Truax and father John E. Gove; brothers, Stan, Ken and Gordon Gove in infancy; and her husband, Brevet Lieutenant General James G. "Jim" Sieben. Char was born on November 28, 1931, in Hastings. Growing-up, Char and her family were strong members of Saint Boniface Church where she and Jim were united in marriage on July 10, 1954. They met when she was working as a “Soda-Jerk” at the Sieben Drugstore in downtown Hastings. Char always joked that she didn’t like the way he bossed her around at the family drugstore, so she got even and married him. Though Jim was used to giving orders, he affectionately called Char “The War Department”. Char and Jim were blessed with three children: Jim, Lisa and Terry, and were married 44 years until Jim’s death in 1998. Char had many life-long friends, was in the same card-club for over 50 years and enjoyed a good game of cribbage with her brother Ray and dear friend Audrey. She was known for her quick wit, her spunk and telling it like it was. She was a wonderful mother and even better grandmother. Char was known for many things: she was a good cook and took great pride in her home and was especially known for her Party Mix, which was served at all family events. Char was a woman of great faith, and was a life-long member of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. She did many things behind the scenes, often times giving her time, talent and treasure. Char lived in the family home across from Roadside Park for 63 years before moving to her townhouse. She struggled with her health the last few years, but she was blessed to live in her home until her death. Char was an inspiration in the way she approached the last few months of her life and the family is grateful for her around-the-clock care team. Char's family gratefully acknowledges the kind and loving care provided by Yvonne and Joenita from Home Care Solutions, compassionate nursing from Adrianne, Ashley and others at Hospice of the Midwest, as well as Mark and Sam at Regina Transitional Care. Char is survived by children, James (Deborah), Lisa Sieben (Ray Kennedy), and Terrance (Maureen McNeary); seven grandchildren, James (Danielle Miller) Sieben, Catherine (David) Blair, Daniel (Jesse) Kennedy, Ian Kennedy, Thomas (Mackenzie) Kennedy, and Grace and Jack Sieben; great grandchildren, Abbey and Mark Kennedy, brother Raymond (Joan) Gove; sisters-in-law, Jean Gove and Charlene Gove; and by many nieces and nephews. Private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2020, concelebrated by Father Cole Kracke and Father Abraham George Kochupurackal. Interment will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery. The Mass will be live streamed on the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel Facebook page beginning at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are cordially invited to a Socially-Distance Observed visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evening, and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning, all at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to the Hospice of the Midwest or SEAS Sharing & Caring Hands Ministry in memory of Char. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.