Lt. Gen. James G. Sieben, age 74, died November 9, 1998, at St. Joseph Hospice in St. Paul from complications of cancer. Funeral services were held November 11, 1998, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings, MN.A 43-year veteran of the U.S. Army and the Minnesota National Guard, Sieben was the adjutant general of the Minnesota National Guard for 13 years. He retired from that position, and the National Guard, in 1988. He was truly the epitome of a soldier, a patriot and a public servant, said Maj. Gen. Eugene Andreotti, Adjutant General for the Minnesota National Guard. He spent much of his life serving this nation to preserve freedom and liberty. This state and this nation owe him a debt of gratitude for his service. It was an honor to serve with him and an honor to know him. Sieben began his military career as an infantryman in World War II. He served with the 104th Infantry Division in Europe until 1945, and returned to Minnesota. He was awarded the Silver Star twice for gallantry in combat during his tour. He left the Army in 1945, and returned home to Minnesota where he later joined the Minnesota National Guard. In 1851, Sieben was activated and served for two years during the Korean War. He returned home and to the National Guard. During his years in the National Guard, Lt. Gen. Sieben served as a company commander, as well as a staff officer at the battalion, brigade and division levels. He was also Commander, 1st Brigade, 47th Infantry Division and in May, 1975 was appointed as the adjutant general by Gov. Wendell Anderson. Besides the Silver Stars, decorations Lt. Gen. Sieben received included: the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantrymans Badge, the Norwegian Order of St. Olaf, the Swedish Distinguished Service Medal as well as the Minnesota Distinguished Service Medal, the Minnesota Medal for Merit and the Minnesota Commendation Medal. Survivors include his wife Charlotte of Hastings, MN; son, Maj. James J. Sieben and his wife Maj. Deborah A. Sieben of Woodbury, MN; son, Maj. Terrance A. Sieben and his wife Maureen McNeary of Hastings; and daughter Lisa J. Sieben and husband Master Sgt. J. Raymond Kennedy of Hastings.
Survivors include five grandchildren; a sister, Mary Jane French of Prescott, WI and numerous nieces and nephews, including Brig. Gen. Harry Sieben, assistant-Adjutant General for the Minnesota Air National Guard.