V.A. Sielert, 75, and a former resident of Dexter, died May 25, 2004, in Westport, Conn. He graduated from Dexter High School in 1946. He lived in Westport, Conn., for 35 years, after residing in California for 23 years.

He was a retired director of Loss Prevention for GTE with 40 years of service. An active member of the National Safety Council, Mr. Sielert was also a member of the New England Historic Genealogical Society, and a volunteer at the Pequot Library for 20 years.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Wilma S. Sielert of Westport, Conn.; four sons, Steven Sielert of Westport, Conn., Richard Sielert of Lagunitis, Calif., William Sielert of Milbord, Conn., Vern Sielert of Auburn, Wash.; one daughter, Wendy Valentine of Milford, Conn.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one sister, Edith Dunn of Dexter.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 29, 2004, at 4 p.m. at the Spear Funeral Home in Fairfield, Conn.

Information was furnished by Watkins & Sons Funeral Home of Dexter.