Gordon E. “Gordy” Seggebruch, 89, of rural Onarga, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, September 19. A lifelong resident of the Onarga area, Gordy was born on May 28, 1937, on the family farm to Edward and Arvella Seggebruch.
On July 26, 1959, he married the “girl across the section”, Phyllis Anna Walder. Together they shared 67 years of marriage, raising their family and building a life rooted in faith, family, farming and service. Phyllis survives.
Gordy was a farmer from an early age and remained passionate about agriculture throughout his life. He was a visionary who was always looking toward the future and new possibilities in farming. He was instrumental in local water management, helping form the Mud Creek Drainage District and serving on multiple drainage district boards. He was inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame in 2015. He also served on the Ludlow Co-op Board and appeared in the documentary Revolution Green: The Making of Bio-Diesel Fuel featuring Willie Nelson.
Gordy was an Army veteran and an active member of Cissna Park American Legion Post 527 where he was a past Commander. He was especially proud of serving on the Honor Guard team, providing military honors to veterans as far away as Joliet National Cemetery.
His dedication to veterans was a particularly meaningful part of his life. Gordy was known for collecting food and other supplies for veterans and for spending time with them including playing bingo and sharing conversation. His service and compassion were recognized with a special Veteran’s Commendation from Iroquois Memorial Hospice on August 30.
Faith was also a cornerstone of Gordy’s life. He was a devoted member of Ash Grove Lutheran Church, where he was confirmed on March 18, 1951. Over the years, he served as an elder and in many other capacities. Gordy also served on the Foundation Board of Prairie View Lutheran Home for a number of years. In his final days, he was surrounded by his family, sharing in devotions together before bedtime—a fitting reflection of the faith that guided his life.
Gordy will be deeply missed by his wife, Phyllis; his sons, Layton (Kim) Seggebruch and Troy (Tammy) Seggebruch, both of Onarga; and his daughter, Gwendolyn (Steve) Toth of Lancaster, Ohio. He also leaves six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are four siblings, Imogene (Henry Wayne) Breymeyer, Larry (Margaret) Seggebruch, Stuart (Jane) Seggebruch and Randa (Kenny) Davis.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers-in-law, Kenny Davis and Henry Wayne Breymeyer and grandsons, Andrew Seggebruch and Bill Pierce.
Gordy lived a life of purpose- rooted in the land he loved, devoted to his family and faith and marked by a genuine desire to serve others. His legacy will live on in the family farm, in the community he served, in the veterans he cared for and most of all in the family he loved so dearly.
Memorial donations may be made to the Cissna Park American Legion earmarked for veteran projects, Iroquois Memorial Hospice or donor’s choice.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 26 from 1-3 pm and 5-7 pm at Knapp Funeral Home, Cissna Park and one hour prior to the 1 pm funeral service on Sunday, September 27 at St John’s Lutheran Church, Ash Grove with Reverend Aaron Uphoff presiding. Burial will immediately follow the service at St John’s Cemetery with military rites conducted by Cissna Park American Legion Post 527.
Please share a memory of Gordy at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.
