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'Another day in a young boy's life': WWII Vet celebrates 101st birthday

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran affairs, only about half a million of the 16 million Americans who served in that war are still alive.

If you ask Joseph Sieber about making it to 101 years old, he'll tell you there is no big secret.

"It's just another day in a young boy's life," Sieber joked. "What can I say? I've had a good life."

His granddaughter Terri Smith felt that good life deserved some recognition and wrote a letter to the Elk Grove Laguna Forum. The City of Elk Grove will be honoring Sieber with a key to the city Sunday at his birthday party.

Smith said the key is a surprise for Sieber, a World War II veteran.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran affairs, only about half a million of the 16 million Americans who served in that war are still alive.

Sieber doesn't like to talk much about his experiences in the war, Smith explained, because he witnessed too many horrors.

Born in Hoboken, New Jersey, Sieber moved to California for his wife Caroline, who he married after the war. He said he has never gone back.

Together, they raised three children and had 11 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and 14 great-great-grandchildren.

Sieber originally said he had 11 great-great-grandchildren before Smith corrected him.

"Oh, well I can't count them on your fingers anymore," Sieber laughed. "Too many to count."

Most of Sieber's family members were with him when he hit the century mark last year at Frasinetti's Winery.

Turning 101 years old is bittersweet for Sieber, who has outlived all of his younger siblings and his wife.

"I would've loved to have some of my brothers and sisters with me," Sieber said.

Sieber suffered medical issues in the past year, including the norovirus and internal bleeding after a bad fall.

Even though Sieber claims he has no secret to living a long life, perhaps it's his love for family, his unwavering sense of humor, and his forever boy-ish spirit.

"Grandpa, when you were younger, did you ever get drunk," Smith asked.

"I ain't gonna say nothing there," Sieber responded with a smirk.

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