Jeffrey Glenn Siemon

Jeffrey Glenn Siemon, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, former Minnesota Viking, and devoted follower of Jesus Christ, spent his final days surrounded by his loving family in Bloomington, MN before going home to be with the Lord on March 28, 2026, at the age of 75. Jeff was born in Rochester, MN on June 2, 1950, and his family returned to Bakersfield, CA two years later. He was a proud Driller, graduating from Bakersfield High School in 1968 as a highly decorated three-sport athlete. He attended Stanford University on a football scholarship, earning a degree in History in 1972. It was there that Jeff met the love of his life, Dawn Donnelly, and they were married shortly after college. Jeff's Stanford football career included consecutive Rose Bowl victories, a consensus first-team All-American selection, and the silver anniversary Dick Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Jeff was selected tenth overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1972 NFL draft. A four-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker, he helped lead the team to three Super Bowls during his 11-year career. In 2010, he was named one of the 50 Greatest Vikings. Despite his athletic accolades, Jeff believed his highest calling was as a follower of Jesus. He fashioned his life around Romans 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ," which he regularly included in his autographs. During his years at Stanford and in the NFL, he dedicated himself to ministry, sharing the good news in speaking engagements, leading Bible studies, and serving with organizations including Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Pro Athletes Outreach. After finishing his football career, Jeff and his family relocated to Southern California, where he attended Simon Greenleaf School of Law, earning a master's in Christian apologetics in 1984. The family then returned to Edina, MN and Jeff began a second career that spanned more than 30 years serving as area director for Search Ministries, focused on adult evangelism and discipleship. Jeff had a deep love and knowledge of Scripture, welcomed honest questions, and spoke with a rare combination of boldness, intelligence, gentleness, and grace. Jeff and Dawn were deeply involved at Grace Church. For decades, they led Sunday morning "small church" and invested in the lives of countless young couples. Jeff also helped launch evangelistic outreach efforts including Arise with the Guys, the Jeff Siemon Golf Classic, and Straight Talk. At home, Jeff was known for his love of conversation, competitive spirit, wide-ranging musical interests, and a contagious laugh that those closest to him will never forget. He was a faithful husband and loving father, and his most treasured role was being "Papa" to his ten grandchildren. He had a remarkable ability to turn any conversation away from himself and toward others, showing a genuine interest in people and a desire for each person to feel seen and valued. As with too many of his fellow NFL alumni, Jeff struggled with progressive stages of dementia over the last 15 years of his life. It is expected that further medical evaluation will confirm chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) as a contributing factor in his death. Jeff leaves behind a legacy of faith, humility, intellect, wit, and deep love. He will be remembered not only as an exceptional athlete, but as a man who loved Jesus wholeheartedly, loved people sincerely, and walked faithfully with God. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Dawn; his children Jeff (Kelley) Siemon, Maile Siemon, Kelley (Adam) Deyo, and Malia (Dave) Hendel; his beloved grandchildren Sam, Breckan, James, Judah, Merrick, Luke, Joseph, Josh, Levi, and Noelle; and his sisters Leslie Siemon, Sue Pletcher, and Jane Siemon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glenn and Isobel Siemon, and his brother, Rob. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, May 20 at Grace Church Eden Prairie. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Grace Church Eden Prairie (https://grace.church/give/) or Search Ministries MN (https://searchnational.org/donate).

Jeffrey Glenn Siemon

June 2, 1950 - March 28, 2026

Explore Obituaries &
Upcoming Services