SEGEBART, Emil F. (1956-2020)

SEGEBART

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 7/7/2022 at 11:46:21

Emil Frederick Segebart Jr.
(June 13, 1956 - July 11, 2020)

Our beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandpa and friend, Emil, was tragically killed in an ATV accident on Saturday, July 11, 2020.
Family services for Emil Frederick Segebart, Jr., 64, will be held Saturday, July 25. The Live Stream recording will be available following the service on Emil’s obituary page of our website on Saturday evening. A Public burial service will follow services at approximately 3 p.m. in the Hewitt Cemetery, rural Indianola, IA. Public visitation, following current CDC guidelines, will be held 2 to 8 p.m., Friday, July 24 at Overton Funeral Home in Indianola, with family present from 4 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Voice of the Martyr, in memory of Emil.
Emil (Ricky) was born in Dennison, Iowa on June 13, 1956 to Emil and Betty (Smith) Segebart Sr. As a toddler, Emil would venture out visiting neighbors in Vail, Iowa where he was often found causing mischief at the local pool or even once discovered on top of the water tower. This was only the beginning of his adventurous spirit. His preteen years were spent, being shaped into the man he became, with his beloved Aunt Andy and Uncle Joe in Odgen, Iowa.
Emil enlisted in the active duty United States Army and served at Fort Ord, California from 1973 to 1975. After his discharge, he attended Open Bible College where he majored in Biblical Studies. Emil later farmed for many years outside of Indianola, Iowa. He attended lineman’s school in Sheldon, Iowa and worked at the Indianola Municipal Utility as a lineman; later becoming the Safety Director. In 2005, he accepted a position at Lamoni Municipal Utility as General Manager until his retirement in 2017.
Emil joined the Iowa Army National Guard in 1987 as a Scout with the 1/113th Cavalry and served with distinction to the rank of First Sergeant. He was deployed to Kosovo in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2003 to 2004. Emil retired from the National Guard in 2007. He was highly respected, admired and loved by his soldiers.
Emil loved learning. After retirement, Emil fulfilled his dream of earning his bachelor’s degree, which he attained with honors from Simpson College in December 2019. He was currently working towards his master’s degree through Iowa State University. Emil married his soul mate, Deborah Oelrich, and together they shared five children who have blessed them with 11 grandchildren.
Emil enjoyed being active in civic organizations, participating in the Optimist Club, Lamoni Development, American Legion, Veterans Administration, Hope Ministry, Victory Christian Academy Board, Jericho Hills Camp Board, Financial Peace University, Indianola Community Church, caretaker of Hewitt Cemetery, and much more. Emil loved fishing, being on the water, and most of all spending time with his wife, children and grandkids. He often spent time in his shop jimmy-rigging all types of creations.
Emil was known for his quick wit and hearty laugh. He was a conversationalist who would engage a complete stranger in chats. You never told Emil “It can’t be done.” There was no quit in Emil and he was up for any challenge. Emil was original. His love for his Lord and Savior was evident to everyone whose lives he touched.
Emil is survived by his wife, Deb; sons, Eli (Tiffany) of Indianola, Ben (Char) of Indianola, Joe (Maria) of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, Jakiah (Cheyenne) of Indianola; daughter, Mariah Smith (Ethan) of Lamoni; grandchildren, Ivy, Lauren, Liam, Wesley, Alex, Louis, Abigail, Zeke, Haddon, Ezra and Emry; mother, Betty; special aunt, Andrea Smith; siblings, Kathy (Curt), Julie (Mark), Angie (John), and Eric; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.
Emil was preceded in death by his father, Emil Segebart Sr. and uncle, Joe Smith. A parting thought from Emil, “This was a non-COVID related death!” This memorial is provided by Overton Funeral Home, 501 West Ashland Ave., Indianola, Iowa, http://www.overtonfuneral.com/