Joan Jondal (Anderson)

Walter B. Siegmann 1945-1998

Walter Siegmann was born Mar. 2, 1945.  His parents were Walter A. Siegmann and Alice Radach.  Walter had a sister, Diane, and a brother, Bob. 

He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, then enlisted in the US Army, serving from 1967-1971.  He served 19 months in Vietnam and his last year in Germany.  He received the Bronze Star, the Army Commendation Medal, and the South Vietnamese Cross of Gallentry Medal.

He married Mary Wavrin on Sept. 19, 1975.  They had one son, Andy.

Walter reenlisted in the US Army serving from 1982-1986, most of that time he was stationed in Germany. 

From 1987-1991 he was a radio announcer and program director for KNUJ in New Ulm.  He worked for the Veteran's Service Office from 1987 until his death.

He played trumpet, banjo and piano with the Six Fat Dutchmen, the Wenningers, and other area bands.  

Walter  died Oct. 15, 1998 and is buried in the Soldier's Rest Cemetery in New Ulm, MN. 

The following information was sent by Walter's wife, Mary:

Walter B. Siegmann

Walter was born on March 2, 1945 in Springfield, Minnesota.  He moved to Waseca as a young boy with his parents.  Walter attended school in Waseca, graduating with the Waseca High School class of 1963.  He attended Wartburg College in Waverly, IA from 1963 until January 1967.  Walter’s father was an engineer for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad and at a young age Walter developed a love for trains.  Walter loved history, model railroading, growing flowers, writing and performing music.

In early 1967 Walter left college to work at KNUJ radio station in New Ulm, MN as an announcer.  Walter entered the Army in fall of 1967.  He served two tours in Vietnam with the 303^rd Radio Research Battalion as a 98C (radio traffic analyst & operator).  Following his last tour in Vietnam Walter served one year in Frankfurt, Germany. 

Walter’s parents moved from Waseca to New Ulm, MN in 1968 when Walter was in the service.  Walter returned to his job at KNUJ radio in 1971 after his four years in the Army.  He hosted the German music program and the Sunday old time music programs in addition to other announcing duties.  During this time Walter played with the Six Fat Dutchmen band and the Wendinger Brothers band on a part-time basis.  He played trumpet, banjo and piano.

Walter and Mary (Wavrin) Siegmann were married in 1975 and lived in New Ulm.  They had one son (Andrew).  In 1981 Walter left KNUJ radio station to accept a job as a depot clerk for the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad at the train depot in New Ulm.  Walter’s clerk job was eliminated within 60 days due to overall budget cuts within the C&NW railroad. 

Walter re-enlisted in the Army in September 1982 and served another four years of active duty.  After vacationing at Fort Dix for boot camp (again) and Fort Devens for advanced training, Walter was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany.  There Walter was assigned to the 502^nd MI Co with the 2^nd Armored Cavalry Regiment.  He worked as a signal intelligence analyst, intercept and jamming operator for EH-1H Helicopters in the Armored Cavalry; Regiment, responsible for surveillance of the international border between East/West Germany and Czechoslovakia.  Mary and Andrew lived in Nuremberg with Walter for about 2 ½ years.  The 2^nd Armored Cavalry Regiment celebrated their 150^th anniversary during Walter’s time in Nuremberg.  Walter served as the announcer for the anniversary festivities. 

Walter, Mary and Andrew returned to New Ulm, MN in fall of 1986.  Walter was hired by Brown County in spring of 1987 as the county veteran service officer.  He remained in this position for 11 years.

Walter dealt with cancer twice between 1993 and 1998.  Walter died on October 15, 1998 due to complications associated with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

Walter received several medals and commendations during his 8 years in the Army.  He received the Bronze Star for “distinguishing himself by meritorious service in connection with military operations against a hostile force during November 1968 to October 1969 while serving as Intelligence Analyst, 303^rd Radio Research Battalion liaison team, US Army Special Security Detachment, Delta Military Assistance Command, US Army Advisory Group, IV Corps Tactical Zone, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.  While serving in Nuremberg, “Sgt. Siegmann’s performance as an Intercept and Jamming Operator for the 502nd MI Co Quick Fix Platoon was outstanding.  His initiative, dedication and determination were instrumental in making his platoon an extremely efficient part of the numerous field exercises.  His Intercept and Jamming techniques proved to be highly effective against opposing forces thus giving invaluable assistance to the offensive and defensive efforts of the unit.”

LeAnn Johnson (Kugath)

Thank you to Mary Siegmann for submitting these photos:

Walter working at KNUJ in New Ulm 1981

1984 in Nuremberg.  At times Walter flew with a helicopter crew and "listened" to Morse Code transmissions from other countries.

Walter and his wife Mary with son Andy shortly before leaving for duty in Nuremberg in 1983.

1995 between bouts of cancer---- three years before his death

Jane Lucas

Thank you, Joan, for this information to celebrate Walter's life. While he was in high school, he would often talk about his dream to be a member of the Six Fat Dutchmen band. He would play polkas (by ear!) on our out-of-tune piano for my wheel-chair bound father. What a joy! I am thrilled that his dream came true. Thanks to his wife, Mary, for sharing his obituary and photos. Walter was one of a kind! Jane

LeAnn Johnson (Kugath)

On this Veteran's Day, I salute the memory of Walt and the Bronze Star he won in Viet Nam, as well as his service in Germany. Whether in the military or in Waseca or New Ulm, his was a life well-lived.  We were privileged to call you friend.

LeAnn Johnson (Kugath)

Here is a message I received from Walt's Army buddy...

I have tried numerous times before to find my old friend Walt Siegmann on the internet without success, but this time I finally found him, unfortunately too late.  Walt and I became good friends in the Army when we attended the United States Army Security Agency Training Center and School in Ft. Devens, MA  in 1968.  Walt looked more like his high school graduation picture then than the later ones posted above and that’s how I remember him.  We weren’t in the same class, but bunked in the same barracks and hung out together with our mutual friend (who I think was in his class) Steve Gaston on nights and weekends.  Walt was a fabulous musician who could sit down at the piano and play anything just by ear!   I remember one weekend night we were in some little bar in MA where an old lady was hired to play piano bar, and her music was pretty tired and dull.  Walt, Steve and I were sitting at the piano with Walt chatting up the old gal so she invited him to take over during her break.  Walt took over alright!  I can’t remember all the numbers he played, but his rendition of “Shake It Up Baby” just turned that little club into one of the best parties ever!  Everybody in the place was either standing and singing or dancing around the piano!    That’s the Walt I remember!

LeAnn Johnson (Kugath)

SUBMITTED BY DAVE WABNER