Ronald Seaver, 79

Ronald Jerrold Seaver, 79, Chelsea Woods in Plymouth, died unexpectedly at his home on September 9, 2012.

The second of four children, Ron was born November 4, 1932 at Harvard Hospital in Harvard, Illinois to Jerrold and Emma (McMullen) Seaver. The family lived on a dairy farm in the White Oaks community, north of Chemung, Illinois. When Ron was 4-years-old, his father bought the Iverson homestead farm of Ron’s great-grandfather, several miles southwest of Capron, Illinois.

Ron was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Capron Lutheran Church and was active in youth programs.

He attended a one-room country school for eight years without a classmate. In 1950, he graduated from Capron High School and then attended Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, where he received a degree in elementary education in 1954.

Ron was an active cheerleader for athletic events while in high school and at Luther. He continued his interest in piano at Luther under the instruction of Kathryn Ulviden Moen and later established and funded The Ronald Seaver Music Scholarship for Luther College.

Following graduation, he spent two years in the Army, mainly in Okinawa. Following his discharge, he taught school for four years in Elgin, Illinois and then moved to Minneapolis and took summer courses at the University of Minnesota.

He worked for Donaldson’s Department Store as a buyer for their Minneapolis and Southdale stores. Because teaching still held his major interest, he accepted a teaching position in the elementary schools of the Edina School District and remained there until his retirement. He received a Master of Arts in counseling from St. Cloud State College.

Ron had many interests beyond his teaching. He performed and traveled with the Nordic Players of the Lutheran Drama Association in Minnesota (Theatre L’Homme Dieu in Alexandria), North Dakota, and summers in Holden Village, Washington. He held season tickets for Orchestra Hall, Guthrie Theater, Minnesota Gopher and Viking football and Twins baseball games. He was an avid bridge player, played tennis, traveled to many foreign countries, and enjoyed playing the piano for hymn-sings with visiting family and friends. Ron shared his home with his college roommate, Brad Aamodt, and family and friends were always welcomed. Visits included gourmet meals.

Ron is survived by his sister, Roma (Rev. Tenner II) Thompson of Alexandria; brother, Robert Seaver, Huntley IL; sister-in-law, Susan Seaver, Crystal Lake IL; sister, Dorothy (Rev. Richard) Gildseth, Wittenberg WI; nephews and nieces, Tenner III (Sheila) Thompson, Inver Grove Heights, Kimberly (Mike) Gilbertson, Wittenberg, Mark Thompson, Williston ND, John Gildseth, Baldwin WI, Erik (Anita) Thompson, Spokane, Tom (Sandra) Gildseth, Minocque WI, David (Claudia) Seaver, Eaton CO, Brian (Tracy) Seaver, Hoffman Estates IL, Kent (Kristin) Seaver, Woodstock IL, Kirk (Mary) Thompson, Germany, Kristina Gildseth, Minneapolis; 22 great- and three great-great-nephews and nieces; and many cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerrold and Emma Seaver; friend, Brad Aamodt; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

A family service was held September 21 at the Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel.

Minnesota arrangements are with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Home in Edina; (952) 920-3996.

Burial will be held Saturday, September 29 at noon at the Seaver family plot in Long Prairie Cemetery in Capron, Illinois with Pastor Jess Harren of Capron Lutheran Church conducting the service. After the burial, a time of fellowship with refreshments will be held at the church.

Illinois arrangements are with Saunders and McFarlin Funeral Home, Harvard IL; (815) 943-5400.

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