Jeff Siscoe

Jeffrey Alan Siscoe, 65, of Martin, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at his home on

February 23, 2026, following a courageous seven-year battle with cancer.

Born on August 14, 1960, in Martinsville, Indiana, Jeff was the youngest of three sons born to

Donald R. and Barbara L. Siscoe, who preceded him in death. From an early age, Jeff

demonstrated a strong work ethic, deep faith, and love for the outdoors. As a boy, he was active

in the Boy Scouts of America and developed a lifelong passion for camping, hunting, fishing,

and target shooting. He also enjoyed photography and was actively involved in church and

youth group activities.

At just 16 years old, Jeff began working at The Reporter, a local newspaper in Martinsville,

where he discovered his passion for the printing press. Over the years, he worked in the

darkroom and as a pressman, eventually becoming a post-press manager. His dedication and

pride in his craft defined much of his professional life.

In 1985, Jeff joined the Morgantown Volunteer Fire Department, serving faithfully until 1994 and

rising to the rank of lieutenant. During this time, he founded a K-9 search and rescue operation,

conducting numerous searches alongside his German Shepherd, Kane, and Border Collie, Ariel.

On October 3, 1981, Jeff married his best friend and the love of his life, Shelly. Together they

built a home and raised their family in Indiana. In 1994, feeling called by God into ministry, Jeff

and Shelly moved their family to Winner, South Dakota, where Jeff began pastoring his first

church with the Society of Indian Missions. After three years in Winner, the family settled in

Martin, South Dakota, a community Jeff dearly loved.

In Martin, Jeff continued his ministry while also serving his community in numerous roles. He

joined the Martin Volunteer Fire Department in 1997 and became deeply involved in emergency

services. He furthered his education by taking Lakota language courses at Oglala Lakota

College. Jeff also worked at Mueller Feed Mill and returned to his printing roots at the Bennett

County Booster. He later served as Bennett County Emergency Manager and Director of

Equalization.

A lifelong learner and passionate teacher, Jeff instructed many firefighting certification courses,

including fire safety and rope rescue training. One of his greatest joys was visiting local schools

to teach fire safety, sharing both knowledge and encouragement with young people.

Jeff was a man of deep faith and unwavering love for Jesus. He was known for his warm smile,

quick wit, and willingness to speak with anyone at any time. He often prayed with those in need

and freely gave Bibles, carefully marking the Gospel of John as a starting place for readers. He

loved laughter, practical jokes, and sweet treats—especially Little Debbies. Jeff never shied

away from a challenge and was respected as a thoughtful mediator and problem solver.

Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Shelly; his brothers, Jim (Mike) and Bob (Tammy); his sons,

Brett (Sheena), Dylan (Verna), and David (Marqui); and his daughters, Leighann (Ben) and

Elizabeth (Justin). He was a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren: Ian, Evan, Kimber, Kendra,

Clark, Kelsey, Colten, Carter, Caleb, Kaitlynn, and Kiersten. He also lovingly considered

Elizabeth, Ashley, Landon, and Connor Duvall among his first grandchildren.

Honorary pallbearers are Chris O’Bryan, Gary Rayhill, Tim Huether, Craig Dillon, Matt Kratovil,

Merle Hicks, Paul Williams, and Howard Blue Bird.

Memorial donations in Jeff’s honor may be made to the Martin Volunteer Fire Department.

Jeff’s legacy of faith, service, leadership, and love will live on in the many lives he touched.