SEYMER, HARRY R. R.

Harry R. Seymer, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, December 28, 1999 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rhinelander, WI, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on August 5, 1920 in the Township of Caledonia, the son of Dr. Harry F. and Alma (Matthes) Seymer. Harry was raised on the family homestead in Oak Creek and graduated from South Milwaukee High School with the Class of 1938. He then attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he earned a degree in electrical engineering before entering the service. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and proudly served in World War II with the 1st [Battalion] of Edson’s Raiders stationed in the South Pacific. A highly decorated Veteran, Harry was seriously wounded in combat during the battle of New Georgia and returned to the states. On December 11, 1943, he was united in marriage to Dorothy B. Lynch at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oak Creek and together they celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1993. Harry was employed for a number of years as a draftsman with the Heil Co. until passing his civil service test. For 27 years, he worked for the Department of Defense as a contract administrator until his retirement in 1976. While living in Milwaukee and raising his family, Harry was very active with the Boy Scouts of America. He was a cubmaster, scoutmaster, and explorer advisor and served in other capacities for over 20 years. Harry was a member of Jackson Park Ev. Lutheran Church where he was council president, treasurer, usher, and always a volunteer when help was needed. Upon his retirement, Harry and Dorothy had their lake home built where they have resided ever since. In his retirement, Harry traveled extensively throughout the states. For many years, he spent time with fellow Marines at Quantico, Virginia for their annual reunion where Harry presided over ceremonies as Marine Corps Chaplain for Edson’s Raiders. He was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Post #10284 in Three Lakes, a life member of the National Rifle Association, and past member of the Three Lakes Lions Club. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Three Lakes. Harry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. He will be dearly missed and in our hearts forever. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Dorothy; his three children; Sandra (Frank) BIrr, Two Rivers; Harry M. Seymer, III (fiancé Amy Stevens), Three Lakes; Mark D. (Laura) Seymer, New London; eight grandchildren; Christopher (Rachelle) Andersen, Jennifer Andersen, Harry L. Seymer, IV (special friend Jessica Jones), Cassie Seymer, Sara Seymer, Josie Seymer, Alicia Birr, and Marc Birr; and great-grandchild Skye Seymer; his sister Luelle Hovie, West Allis and her family; Kim Hovie, Guy Hovie, Ned (Ellen) Hovie and cousin Russell (Judy) Matthes, South Milwaukee. He is further survived by other relatives and many friends. Preceding him in death were his parents and two brothers-in-law; Everett Hovie and Edwin Lynch. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, January 2, 2000 at the Gaffney-Busha Funeral Home in Eagle River with Rev. William J. Trosien officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 4:00 P.M. until the hour of services. Funeral services in Milwaukee will be held at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, January 3, 2000 at the Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home, 5050 W. Vliet St. with Rev. Fred Thomas-Breitfeld officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday from 4:00 P.M. until the hour of services. Interment with full military rites will be held in Arlington Park Cemetery in Milwaukee on Tuesday, January 4, 2000.