Fred Seifer, age 98, of McPherson County,Nebraska, passed away at his daughter's home south of Hershey, Nebraska on Friday, August 28, 2020.
Fred was born on the family farm, 26 miles northwest of Sutherland, to Fred and Emma Seifer on April 29, 1922. He attended District #60 grade school then worked for several area farmers.
Fred served three years in the U.S. Army during World War II and served in the European Theater. He was injured in action and received the Purple Heart. Following his honorable discharge, he returned home.
On April 30, 1948, Fred married Iona Lunkwitz in North Platte and together they enjoyed 72 years of marriage. The couple made their home on the ranch 30 miles northwest of Sutherland and lived there all their lives and raised three children.
Fred served a number of years as treasurer then secretary at School District #15, was on the McPherson County Fire Board, and was a member of Grace Lutheran Church of Sutherland.
In their free time, Fred and Iona enjoyed playing cards, dancing and swimming. He loved his family, especially Iona.
Along with his wife, Fred was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Paul Seifer; sisters, Esther (Bert) Bosch, Helene (Harry) Hokenson and Martha (Eugene) King; brothers-in-law, Charles Morgan, Bob King, Harold Liggett, Tom Neilsen, Charlie Lunkwitz, Bill Lunkwitz, Roy (Florence) Lunkwitz, Irven Lunkwitz and Frank Lunkwitz; sisters-in-law, Lilly (Dale) Lavaley and Eunice (Gene) Hamlett; and son-in-law, John D. Streiff.
Fred is survived by his children, Connie Streiff, of Sutherland, Pauline (John) Blomstedt, of Hershey, and Dean (Sherri) Seifer, of Paxton; 17 grandchildren, Dawn (Brett) Haake, Gina (Jeff) Davis, Lana (Gregg) Klein, Lynn (Jeb) Rhods, Josh (Debbie) Streiff, Roka (Justin) Klein, John (Jessica) Blomstedt, Janet (Ben) Dutton, Jason (Staci) Blomstedt, JoLynn (Lance) Mecham, Jeff (Tasha) Blomstedt, Joseph (Kaylin) Blomstedt, Justin (Jami) Blomstedt, Jordan (Aubrey) Blomstedt, Kate Seifer, Mara (James) Thiessen and Clay (Hannah) Seifer; 45 great-grandchildren and a great great-grandson.
Survivors also include his sisters, Agnes Liggett, of Texas and Alice Morgan, of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Irene Seifer, of Sutherland, Rosalin Neilsen, of Paxton and Adella Lunkwitz, of Monument, KS; as well as many other family members.
The family will gather outside at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, Nebarska at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2020 for a Celebration of Life. Please bring your own chair. Committal service with military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska. Cremation was chosen, and Fred & his wife, Iona will be buried together.
The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com, or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the New Life Lutheran Church of Paxton, Nebraska. For those unable to attend the service, it will be recorded and post to the website at odeanchapel.com.