Ralph L. Seger

Ralph L. Seger, Age 88, Dubois, Indiana died at 11:50 a.m. Thursday (September 3, 2009) in the Columbia Health Care Center in Evansville, Indiana. He was born at Dubois, Indiana on May 2, 1921 to William and Apolonia (Pieper) Seger. He married Virginia (Deedle) Merry on November 23, 1946. Surviving is his wife Deedle. 1 son, Keith Seger and spouse Charlotte, Evansville, IN 4 grandchildren – 5 great grandsons. He attended school in Dubois and was a member of the first Dubois High School basketball team to have the Jeep as a mascot. He has always been an avid supporter of Jeep academics and athletics. He graduated from Dubois High School in 1939 and the following fall enrolled at Indiana University. While there he became a member of R.O.T.C. and Phi Epsilon Kappa and graduated with a degree in Business and Physical Education in 1943. Having been in R.O.T.C. he went into the U.S. Army Infantry for a short time before transferring to the U.S. Army Air Corp. While in the Air Corp he served as a navigator first on B-17s then B-29s. Following his discharge from service he returned to Dubois and took a position at the high school teaching Business and Physical Education and coaching basketball and baseball. During this time he became active in the Indiana National Guard. He also returned to Indiana University for a Masters Degree in Education Administration. He left teaching in 1959 and began working at Dubois Elevator, later Wabash Valley Produce, until he retired. He also raised poultry on his farm near Dubois. Ralph was very active in many civic activities. He served as secretary of the Dubois Town Board for numerous years. He was involved in the efforts that started the Dubois Community Club. He served on the committee to improve the Dubois Volunteer Fire Department and served as a firefighter for many years. He helped start youth baseball in the Dubois area which later became Northeast Du bois Little League. He served on both of Dubois County’s School Reorganization Committees. He was on the board of Directors for the German American Bank and Executive Furniture. When federal grant monies became available for small rural water systems he initiated the process and devoted much time and effort that led to the creation of the Dubois Water Utilities. He served as President of its Board of Directors for many years. He served on the Foundation Board of Memorial hospital and been active in the Dubois County Cancer Society. He was a member of the Dubois Ruritan Club, Dubois Community Club, Dubois Development Club, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, and received the honor of being named a Kentucky Colonel. Funeral services for Ralph L. Seger will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday (September 7, 2009) in St. Raphael’s Catholic Church with burial to follow in St. Raphael’s cemetery in Dubois. Military Grave side rites by the American Legion Post # 147 in Jasper. Friends may call from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Raphael’s Catholic Church, Dubois Library Fund or to the Dubois Park Board.

Ralph L. Seger

September 4, 2009