Joni M. Tschetter

June 17, 1951 - November 22, 2021

Joni Marie Tschetter, 70, of Kearney passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 at her home surrounded by family. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Kearney with Pastor Matt Fowler officiating. Joni was born June 17, 1951 in Huron, SD to John and Alice (Gross) Tschetter. She graduated from Huron High School and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with honors from Huron College. She was united in marriage to Kurt Siedschlaw on June 27, 1971 in Huron, SD. This union was blessed with four children. Joni always loved spending time with her children and adored her grandchildren. Her grandchildren’s favorite things were grandma’s cookies and homemade bread. Joni held professional positions but decided to be a stay-at-home mother. She vested her life in her children, grandchildren and advising, coaching and guiding her husband in academic and professional endeavors and her artwork. Joni was a very talented artist, creating numerous pieces of commissioned artwork. Joni was quoted as saying, “Oil painting is like magic to me. I mix the colors, brush them on the canvas and after a while the painting comes to life.” Joni was a founding member of the Dakota Images Art Festival and the first chairwoman for art shows. She was commissioned to create the portrait of Gladys Pyle, the first female senator for the state of South Dakota, as well as commissioned to reproduce the North Dakota and South Dakota state banners for the State Centennial in 1987. Joni was in many juried art competitions and art shows, completed artwork from portraits to still life and moved into miniature painting using sliced agate and other precious stone as her canvas. Joni’s favorite subjects other than portraits were images of Christ, the Madonna and Child, angels and Native American scenes. She enjoyed baking for her loved ones, sewing and was an avid Husker fan who could often be heard yelling at the tv on game day. Joni was a member of First United Methodist Church; her faith was a central tenant in Joni’s life, guiding her every action and fanning her desire to help those in need. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Kurt Siedschlaw; Tschetter-Siedschlaw children, Alissa (Edward) of Des Moines, IA, Caleb (Tisha) of Dodge City, KS, Seth (Justine) of Kearney, Maia (Matthew) of Kearney; grandchildren, Breanna, Noah Kurt, Madilyn, Tyler, Samuel, Cadyn, Tegan, Camden, Brigham, Hudson, Henry, Ella, Laila, Maika; step-grandchildren, Noah Oliver, Georgi; brother, Kenneth (Jan) Tschetter of Huron, SD; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Joni was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Dennis Tschetter. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.