Richard Siegfried…June 27, 1959 – December 22, 2014

Richard Siegfried

Funeral services for longtime Holly, CO resident, Richard Siegfried will be held for family and friends at Holly High School at 1:00 p.m. on December 27, 2014 with Pastor Kathy Leathers presiding.  Refreshments and a celebration of Rich’s life will be held for all following the services. Visitation will be held at Valley Memorial Chapel in Holly from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on December 26, 2014.

Richard Allen Siegfried, 55, of Holly, Colorado died December 22, 2014 with his family by his side after an admirable fight against cancer.  Rich was born in La Junta, Colo. on June 27, 1959 to Albert and Hilda (Grasmick) Siegfried.

Rich grew up on the family farm near Sugar City, Colorado, instilling his passion for agriculture at a young age. He attended Crowley County High School, where he became an active member in the FFA Organization. After graduating in 1977, Rich served as a Colorado FFA State Officer from 1978 to 1979, where his love of working with students influenced his career path.  After his year of service, Rich pursued a degree in Agricultural Education at Colorado State University, where he was also active in FarmHouse Fraternity. After graduating in 1982, he accepted his first and only job as the Vocational Agricultural Instructor in Holly, Colorado, taking pride in the Holly FFA Chapter.

Rich met his wife Patrice in Holly and they were married on July 6, 1985. Together they have three children, who were his pride and joy. In his spare time, he enjoyed traveling, finding deals at pawn shops, skeet shooting, tinkering in the shop, woodworking, raising sheep, and spending time with his family.

Rich was very passionate and dedicated to his work, teaching for 32 years and impacting many lives along the way.  He served as a high school class sponsor, a club leader for the High Hopes 4-H Club, and was a member of the Prowers County and Holly Fair boards.  Rich was a partner in SKS Club Lambs, and also founded the Rising Star Ewe Lamb Program with his son, providing ewe lambs to youth in the county as 4-H or FFA projects.

As the Holly FFA Advisor, Rich helped many students succeed in career development events, livestock shows, and earn many degrees and honors at the district, state and national levels.  He also served as the State Fair Ag Mechanics Contest superintendent and a chaperone for State FFA International Experience trips to Argentina, Costa Rica and China. Rich was honored to serve on the National FFA Career Development Events and Supervised Agricultural Experience committees.  He was also one of six advisors in the nation elected to serve on the National FFA Finalist review team.  In 2013, Colorado FFA recognized Rich with the John Knaub Outstanding Ag Teacher of the Year award, as well as the Colorado Agricultural Education Lifetime Dedication Award.

Rich is survived by his wife of 29.5 years, Patrice, daughters, Whitney and husband, Ben Conner of Fort Worth, Texas, Hillary Siegfried of Canyon, Texas; son, Jeffrey Siegfried of Fort Collins; father, Albert Siegfried of La Junta; brother, Larry and wife, Kathy Siegfried of Swink; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hilda Siegfried.

To honor Rich’s passions and commitment to serving others, memorial contributions can be made at Colorado East Bank & Trust in Holly, Colorado for the Rich Siegfried Impact Scholarship either directly or through Valley Memorial Funeral Chapel, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, CO 81052.

For more information or to leave online condolences please visit www.valleymemorialfc.com.