Memorial
Joel Lee Seegers, 67, of Central City, died Saturday, October 12, 2019 at St. Luke’s Transitional Care Center in Cedar Rapids. A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 with a visitation following the service until 6 pm in the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Stateroom. Casual attire is encouraged.
Joel was born on April 1, 1952, in Waterloo, Iowa, the son of Mervin and Eldora Seegers. He graduated from Linn Mar High School in Marion, Iowa in 1970. He then went onto graduate from Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, where he acquired the nickname “Fun Seegers”. It is at Wartburg College where he met his future wife, Char. They were married on October 4, 1975 in Grinnell, Iowa.
From the time Joel was a young boy, he had a strong work ethic and a desire to make and save money. He started by mowing lawns when he was eight years old. His mom helped him set up a bank account so he could deposit his money. When he was old enough, he worked with his dad and brother at Alpha Crushed Stone. While at Wartburg, he bartended to make money for his college tuition and also beer money. After college, Joel continued working at Alpha Crushed Stone. He had other jobs which included black topping, wrecker business, and machinery moving. He enjoyed the challenge of learning a new job. He started working with his family at Seeger’s Truck and Trailer Repair in 1982, which is where he worked until 2018.
Joel loved being at his home in the country near Stone City. He had a love for the land and planted trees for the next generation. Joel was a great cook (better than Char!). He and Char had some wonderful trips overseas, always enjoying the local foods and beers. Joel also enjoyed visiting US National Parks and the states’ capitals.
Joel’s love for blacksmithing began about twelve years ago. He enjoyed the creativity of designing metal using the old fashioned coal forge and anvil. If the project didn’t quite turn out the way he wanted, he made it into something different. Pounding iron- a truly satisfying hobby for Joel.
Survivors include his loving wife, Char; mother, Eldora of Marion; brother, John (Connie) Seegers of Cedar Rapids; sister, Julie (Pat) Jones of Toddville; along with one niece and eight nephews. Brother-in-law, Howard (Sue) McDonough of Grinnell.
Preceded in death by his father, Mervin; and an infant sister, JoAnn Kay.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the family.