Obituary of Harold T. Sievers

Sievers, Harold Thomas (Hal), age 34, originally of St. Paul, died unexpectedly May 10 at his home in Iowa City. He was a psychology student at the University of Iowa, had deep interests in schizophrenia and hypnosis and was nearing graduation. Hal loved his family, friends, art, cats, gardening, cooking, baggy floral shorts, movies, hockey and reading the Koran. He accepted others, was open to their ways and beliefs and was well regarded in return. He was active in AA. In recent years he opened his apartment on several occasions to people living on the street. He offered them safe haven, sometimes for many months. To his mother who expressed concern, he said, "I can't just talk about what I believe, I have to live it." Hal loved Frisbee golf and was a strong and graceful player. He organized the first annual Frisbee golf tournament, The Sweet Melon Open, in Muscatine, Iowa. For years Hal battled the lethal duo of schizophrenia and cocaine and fell, in the end, under their grip. He fought hard to be “normal”. It is all he ever wanted. We are proud of him. We loved him well and will miss him forever. Hal is survived by his partner Lori Steele of Iowa City; his parents, Mary (Huberty) Sievers and Jerry Sievers; his brother, John; his grandmother, Leona Miller; and a large extended family, including 15 beloved aunts and uncles, 22 cousins, and second spouses of his father and grandmother. Most of the family resides in Minnesota. A celebration of Hal's life will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at The Commodore Hotel, 79 Western Avenue North, St. Paul, MN. In place of flowers or gifts, donations may be sent to New Beginnings at Waverly, 109 North Shore Drive, Waverly, MN 55390. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service assisted in the local arrangements for Hal’s family.