Robert Lee Seiler

Robert Lee Seiler, 85, died peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, in Missoula 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 Co. 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, 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 is preceded in death by his wife, Gloria Jane (nee Deaton) Seiler; brothers, William Albert Seiler and Donald John Seiler; parents John N. and Emma M. Seiler. He is survived by loving daughters, Jane Kathleen (nee Seiler) Thompson, husband Dave Belenski of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Carol Beth Seiler of Missoula and Nancy Lee Seiler of Missoula; granddaughter Elizabeth Seiler Anderson of Missoula and dear, lifelong friends Bill and Margie Hoover of Copley, Ohio.

An informal tribute to Bob's life is planned at The Springs of Missoula on Sunday, May 25, at 3 p.m. Please plan to stop by. Visitation is on Wednesday, May 28, from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. with services at 9:30 a.m. at Catavolos Funeral Home, 3653 West Market St., Akron, Ohio, (330) 665-1700. Interment is at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, Seville, Ohio, at 11:15 a.m.

Remembrances may be made to the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park where Bob found solace after his wife Gloria's death, or the Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath, for all the long days he spent biking there in past years.

Enjoy the outdoors and think of Bob.

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park: conservancyforcvnp.com/donate

Ohio and Erie Canalway Towpath: ohioanderiecanalway.com/Main/Contact.aspx
Read Robert Seiler's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.