Robert "Bob" Seiler

Robert Lee Seiler, 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 in Missoula, Montana from complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Bob was born on Firestone Boulevard in Akron, Ohio on May 30, 1928 to Emma Margaret and John Nicholas Seiler. The third of three sons, Bob grew up working in his father’s grocery store, West Point Market. He learned a stern work ethic from his father, which served him throughout his life. Whatever he took on, he finished without complaint. Integrity, honor, love, and kindness defined his character.

Bob proudly served his country from 1946 to 1948 in World War II and the Korean Conflict as a member of the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Army, respectively. He was decorated twice. Bob graduated from The University of Akron with a degree in civil engineering, after which he worked as a civil engineer for General Tire and Rubber Company for 27 years, until early retirement.

On June 6, 1953 he married his one true love, Gloria Jane Deaton. Together they raised three daughters. Just before Bob retired, he and Gloria celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a long-anticipated trip to Germany, Austria and Switzerland to see the birthplace of Bob’s father in Kirchenlamitz, Germany. Upon returning from this trip, at the age of 55, Bob embarked on his second career as a professional roofing consultant; he was also a member of the Society for Professional Engineers, the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, as well as the Rotary Club of Bath, Ohio. He also dedicated immense time and care, many meetings, and his careful deliberation to the Bath Township Zoning Board. As a roofing consultant, Bob helped many homeowners and business owners alike with his thorough advice. Most importantly, he could always be counted on to take care of his family, including his beloved wife, until her death on March 13, 2002.

In May 2011, he moved to Missoula, Montana, spending his last three years of life close to his two youngest daughters, Nancy and Carol, and his cherished granddaughter, Elizabeth. In Missoula, he met many new friends and enjoyed the mountain views with walks through the forest.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Jane (nee Deaton) Seiler; brothers William Albert Seiler, Donald John Seiler; parents John N. and Emma M. Seiler. He leaves behind his loving daughters Jane Kathleen (nee Seiler) Thompson, husband Dave Belenski, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Carol Beth Seiler, Missoula, Montana, Nancy Lee Seiler, Missoula, Montana, granddaughter Elizabeth Seiler Anderson, Missoula, Montana and dear, lifelong friends Bill and Margie Hoover of Copley, Ohio.

Family will receive friends Wednesday, May 28 from 8:30-9:30 a.m. with funeral services at 9:30 a.m. at CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME 3653 W. Market St. Fairlawn. Interment to follow at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, at 11:15 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob’s name to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park where Bob found solace after his wife Gloria’s death at www.conservancyforcvnp.com/donate, or the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath at www.ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Contact.aspx, for all the long days he spent biking there in past years.

Enjoy the outdoors and think of Bob.