Robert J. "Dr. Bob" Seim

Dr. Robert J. Seim "Dr. Bob" passed away September 21, 2021, at the age of 84. Bob was born on May 1st,1937 in Havre, Montana to Obert and Charlotte Seim. At an early age he moved with his parents to Missoula, Montana where his father had the Gambles Hardware Store. He attended Paxson Grade School, Missoula County High School and the University of Montana. Growing up his family included two younger brothers Dick Seim and Keith Seim where they lived a block from Bonner Park in Missoula. His early years were spent playing sports at Bonner Park to becoming a lifelong member of the "Bonner Park Kids." This is still celebrated each summer with a reunion.
During the Second World War Bob's father was working in supply for the government as a result the Seim family spent much time with his grandparents at home in Whitefish, MT. His uncle had part in establishing Big Mountain in Whitefish. During that time, he enjoyed ski racing. In those years, Bob become very close with his mother and his six cousins. Bob and his cousins were more like siblings, getting together several times a year, and sharing their love of Whitefish with their ever-expanding families.
Bob met his wife Carol Anthony Seim, a Helena "girl," during undergraduate school at the University of Montana. They had one son, Brad, in 1967 and shared 62 fabulous years together.
Bob received his undergraduate degree in physics and chemistry and continued working on his master's and to complete a doctorate degree in virology and infectious diseases. However, he decided he would rather not spend his life in a laboratory, so he chose to attend medical school. He did Pre-Med at the University of North Dakota, medical school at University of Washington and completed his orthopedic degree at the University of Utah.

After graduation he was drafted into the army during the Vietnam War and served for two years.
Bob began orthopedic practice with Missoula Orthopedic Associates and served on staff at Saint Patrick's hospital. Bob helped start Bone and Joint Orthopedics. He served on the national board of the Academy of Orthopedic Surgery for 29 years.
Bob was a gentle, kind, warm and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor which brought him to be loved and admired by many. He enjoyed the beauty of nature and mountains and loved Montana. Bob enjoyed many trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness often with his son and close friends, making regular journeys into Glacier and Yellowstone National Park.
Bob had a passion for sports. He skied, played football, and went on to play for the University of Montana Grizzlies. He was also a member of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
Bob was the team doctor for Sentinel High School football and the University of Montana sports programs. In 2017, Bob was awarded the University of Montana Distinguished Alumni Award. He enjoyed teaching PT at the U of M Physical Therapy Department. He was a proud member of Sons of Norway and was a long-time supporter of the Missoula Symphony, Rotary and Missoula Country Club (where he played "just mediocre" golf) but valued his many friends there. He grew up as a member of Saint Paul's Lutheran Church and became a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church.
Bob is survived by his wife Carol, son, Brad Seim, daughter-in-law, Kim and grandsons Peyton and Bode. His remaining ashes will rest at the columbarium at Saint Paul's Lutheran Church. His loving wife Carol will join him there someday. A Memorial Service will be tentatively planned for late Spring or early Summer.

Donations may be made to your personal choice of many organizations: University of Montana Athletics, University of Montana Foundation Board, Missoula Symphony or Emmanuel Lutheran Church.
Come join the family in celebration of Dr. Bob’s (Dr. Robert Seim) Friday October 14, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Missoula Country Club. 3850 Old U.S. 93, Missoula, MT. Casual attire or wear Griz apparel, there will be a reception following the service.


Come join the family in celebration of Dr. Bob’s (Dr. Robert Seim) Friday October 14, 2022, at 1:00 pm at the Missoula Country Club. 3850 Old U.S. 93, Missoula, MT.

Casual attire or wear Griz apparel, there will be a reception following the service.