Seger, Robert Morse 1926-2016

SEGER, MORSE, ELLIOTT, PERA, LEDNICKY, GAIGE

Posted By: Ruth Maring - Volunteer
Date: 1/23/2016 at 19:31:50

Robert “Bob” Morse Seger died after a brief illness on January 12, 2016 at University of Iowa Hospitals, surrounded by his loving family. He was 89 years old. Services will be held on 11:00 AM Saturday, January 16, 2016 at First United Presbyterian Church at 400 5th Avenue South in Clinton, Iowa. Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM until the service at 11:00 AM at the church. Following the funeral service, cremation rites will be accorded and a burial will be held at Elmira Cemetery in Elmira, Illinois at a later date. The Pape Funeral Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan on December 16, 1926. He was the son of Earl Fenton and Ruth Leola Morse Seger, and was raised in East Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from East Lansing High School in 1945, after which he worked for Fisher Body in Lansing, Michigan. He went on the road with the Slout Players Tent Show for two seasons before being drafted into the United States Army and serving in Virginia and Augsburg, Germany in the 43rd Infantry Battalion of the National Guard. He attended Michigan State University and graduated from Western Michigan University at Kalamazoo in 1956 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Library Science. He earned his Master’s Degree in Library Science from the University of Michigan in 1961.

Bob met Lois Ann Elliott in college and they married on September 25, 1956 in Elmira, Illinois. Bob worked from 1956 – 59 at the St. Clair County Library in Port Huron Michigan. From 1960 – 1967 he worked at the Presque Isle County Library in Rogers City, Michigan, where he originated the Northland County Library System. For 25 years, Bob directed the Clinton Public Library, founding the Clinton County Library System, and retired in December 1992. During these years, Bob served as a member of many state and regional library boards and committees.

Bob led an active retirement serving Riverside Presbyterian Church as treasurer and elder, and subsequently at First United Presbyterian Church as elder and session member. Bob was an active member of Kiwanis in Clinton, and maintained a perfect attendance record. He served as President of Kiwanis in 1992, and was awarded life membership status in 1995. Bob and his friend Dick Huyck organized Partnership Way, a study group which met monthly for ten years, centered on non-violence and community improvement. Bob also served as a founding board member and docent at the Sawmill Heritage Museum. He also served as an election judge for many years. Bob loved the color red and chocolate in any form. He had a quirky sense of humor and was known for his groaner jokes. In his younger years, he enjoyed bicycling and camping. He took his family on many camping and summer road trips. In his later years, he enjoyed playing games on the computer.

Bob is survived by his wife Lois; daughters, Ellen of Mesa, Arizona, Janet (Steve Pera) of Omaha, Nebraska, and Nancy of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren, Sophia and Eric Seger-Pera of Omaha; and sister-in-law, Geraldine Lednicky Seger of Lake City, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Dean Warren Seger, and sister, Aulene Delight Seger Gaige. According to his wishes, Bob’s corneas were donated upon his death. In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Presbyterian Church or the Sawmill Museum in Clinton would be appreciated.