Richard Allen Seger, age 85, of Gwinn passed away at his home on Monday evening, November 15th, with his wife at his side. He was born on May 21st, 1936, in St. Nicholas, Michigan to Fred H. Seger and Nellie Mae (Yaedon) Seger. He was a graduate of Rock High School and growing up on the family farm is what developed the strong work ethic that he always had. He married Patricia Ann Welsh on December 29th, 1956, in Escanaba, Michigan and they would have celebrated 65 years of marriage next month.
He began his working career with the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife but after two years he changed direction and began working at Harnischfeger Corporation in Escanaba, Michigan. After seven years Rich and Pat decided to relocate to Thousand Oaks, California where he worked at the Fisher Body Division for General Motors in Van Nuys and later began working as an auto body technician. Six years later they decided to move back to the U.P. of Michigan to be closer to family. They bought a home in Cornell, MI where they resided for 30 years before moving to Gwinn in 1999. There he continued working as an auto body technician until utilizing his welding skills at K and K Manufacturing in Rock. Next, he worked at R and R Construction in Perkins for 20 years doing work for Michigan Bell laying cable all over the U.P. before returning to using his welding skills at Ramrod Industries at K.I Sawyer from where he retired in 2001. Mr. Seger was a jack of all trades.
In his younger years he enjoyed deer hunting, fishing, ice fishing, snowmobiling, and riding his motorcycles. In later years he enjoyed watching westerns, comedies, and the Green Bay Packers on TV; sitting in his swing on his deck visiting with people; sitting by Lake Superior in Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie watching for boats; and he and his wife enjoyed traveling to visit children and grandchildren and attend as many of their events as they could. For years, he four wheeled on the trails with his friends and went to "The Coffee House" in Watson.
He was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where he and his wife served as custodians for several years and he was also involved in volunteer work in the Gwinn and Marquette area for many years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Pat and their five children: Debbie LeBlanc of Sault Ste Marie, Terry (Carol) of Rock, Roger (May) of Whipplesburg, TN, David of Grand Rapids; and Diane (Archie) Johnson of Kingsport, TN. They have 14 grandchildren: Stephen (Mandy) Holm of Frisco, TX, Heather Holm (James Marlin) of Grand Rapids, Chris Holm of Sault Ste Marie, SSGT Zach LeBlanc of Biloxi, MS, Jesse (Amanda) Seger of Gladstone, Troy Seger of Bahrain, Olivia (Nick) Chartier of Kingsford, Justin (Jess) Swenski of Iron Mountain, Marco Seger of Deltona, FL, Shane (Sophia) Seger of Dover, DE, Holly Seger of Hudsonville, MI, Deidre (Matt) Lapina of St. John, IN, Tyler (Ayla) Johnson of Lancaster, CA, Josh (Mia) Johnson of Evansville, IN, and Kendra Johnson of Powell, TN. They also have 12 great grandchildren.
He is further survived by his sister, Kathy Aper, of Rapid River and brother Dwight (LouAnn) Seger of Leesburg, FL; his aunt, Dorothy (Clifford) Fair of Newberry; sisters-in- law, Lee Seger, Betty Seger, and Debbie Welsh and brothers-in-law, Bob (Joan) Welsh and Tom (Anne) Welsh and many many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Edwin and James; his son-in-law, Jim Holm and his grandson, Travis Johnson.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, November 22nd at Grace Lutheran Church in Gwinn. Visitation is from 1 to 3 pm with services at 3 with Pastor Jack Busche officiating. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Pall bearers will be grandsons and great grandsons: Jesse Seger, Tyler Johnson, Zach LeBlanc, Shane Seger, Talon Thomas-Holm, and Bret Seger. Burial will be in the Gwinn Cemetery.
A recording of Richard's Funeral Service may be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzMnc8og-go
Canale Gwinn Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the Seger family where memories of Richard may be shared at canalefuneral.com.
Tributes
Dianr wrote on Nov 27, 2021:
"Love you so much Dad!
So thankful for all you taught me by your wonderful example. You?re such a kind, gentle, and compassionate person from the youngest to the oldest alike. You enjoyed the simple things in life like watching the birds, sitting in the sun, going out for ice cream, taking a drive in the car, having a cup of coffee with friends, mowing the lawn, watching a football game, and of course being with Mom doing anything. You and Mom have both taught me what marriage should be like to keep it strong by forgiving one another and loving each other and being there to help each other. 65 years is amazing!
Dad, I?m going to miss you every day til I?ll be with you in Heaven. Thanks for all of the beautiful memories!
Love you so much
Your daughter
Diane (DeeDee) and Archie "
Terry Kutchie wrote on Nov 20, 2021:
"So sorry for your loss. Richie was a great guy may he RIP"
Gerry Stille wrote on Nov 20, 2021:
"Pat and family, sincere sympathy in Richard?s passing. A very fine friendly man, who I know you will miss dearly."