SECKAR, John Charles 1923-2008

SECKAR, LODEN, TETHAL

Posted By: K. Kittleson (email)
Date: 12/9/2008 at 16:33:56

Visitation:
Hauser Funeral Home
1205 South Main Street
Charles City, Iowa

Service:
2:00 PM- Friday, June 13, 2008
Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church
200 South Main Street
Charles City, Iowa

John C. Seckar, 85, of Charles City, Iowa, died Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at his home in Charles City.

Pastor Dennis Niezwaag will officiate. Inurnment will be held at a later date.

John Charles Seckar was born March 1, 1923, on a farm near Erin, N.Y., the son of Joseph and Apolena (Tethal) Seckar. His early childhood was spent in the New York area until the age of four, when the family moved to St. Ansgar, Iowa, and then to Austin, Minnesota. During the depression his parents bought a small acreage in Mitchell, Iowa. John graduated in 1941 from the Mitchell Community Schools.

After graduation he entered the U.S. Air Force on June 10, 1941. He was stationed for one year in Australia. John was a First Lieutenant and flew 36 missions over enemy territory.

On April 21, 1945, he was united in marriage to Emma M. Loden at Monroe, Louisiana. To this union four children were born. They made their home in Mitchell, during this time John served on the city council, school board, cemetery board and as mayor. John spent 41 years working for Oliver/White Farm Equipment Co. in both blue collar and management positions. He held many positions including night superintendent.

In 1960, they moved to Charles City where he served on the draft board, as a Boy Scout leader and taught gun safety. John was a member of the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he served on the Stewardship Committee and chaperoned a youth group to New Orleans.

He was very proud of his 47 year membership in the Floyd Lions Club. During retirement, John and Emma spent 24 wonderful years in Harlingen Tex., where they enjoyed the company of their friends at Emerald Grove Resort. The family spent many enjoyable times together traveling and camping. He was pleased with his involvement initiating and participating in family reunions on both sides of the family that remain active to this day. John also enjoyed photography and the companionship of many appreciative dogs. John had many physical challenges during the last several years. He was a dialysis patient for three years and survived numerous surgeries for his heart and back.

Living family members include his wife, Emma Seckar of Charles City; his children, Paula (Terry) Wittmer of Sheridan, Wyo., David (Jenny) Seckar of Floyd, Patricia Seckar of Decorah and Marilyn (Ted) Horsley of Sheridan, Wyo.; nine grandchildren; and 17 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two granddaughters; three brothers; and five sisters;

Memorials may be directed to the Saint John Evangelical Lutheran Church, 200 South Main Street Charles City, Iowa or to the Mercy Dialysis Center, 707 Gilbert St. Charles City, Iowa.

[Hauser Funeral Home obituary - www.hauserfh.com]