Bernard "Curly" Seiffert passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at his home in Carlyle, Illinois. Born on December 18, 1938, to the late Paul and Opal (Rittenhouse) Seiffert, Curly devoted his life to his family, his work, and his community.
Curly married Janis Pollmann on September 2, 1962, in Carlyle, and together they shared 62 years of marriage. In addition to his wife Janis, Curly is survived by a daughter, Denise Belobraydic and her husband Bob; his grandchildren, Ceara Meyer (husband Joshua), Annake Belobraydic, Kiley Belobraydic, Brandon Belobraydic (wife Kali), and Katie Merkle (husband Craig); and his great-grandchildren, Olive and Jameson Meyer, and Louis Merkle. He is also survived by his brother, Jim Seiffert and wife Clare. In addition to his parents, Curly was preceded in death by their beloved son, Timothy Seiffert; and his siblings, Ruth Peters (husband Vince), Betty Robben (husband Tom), Mary Ade, Paul Seiffert (wife Margie), Kate Forrest (husband Jim), and Jane Henn (husband Glenn).
Curly proudly served in the United States Army from 1958-1960. Following his service, he worked at the First National Bank in Carlyle as a loan officer and assistant cashier. After 40 years at First National Bank, Mr. Seiffert retired as Vice President.
A man of faith and community, Curly was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Church in Carlyle. He was an active member of the Carlyle community, including memberships in the Knights of Columbus, Carlyle Council 1382; Beckemeyer American Legion, Post 1227; as well as Carlyle’s Rotary Club, Jaycees, and Lion's Club, and the USGA. He served his city as an alderman for eight years and as city treasurer for ten years. His passion for sports and education led him to serve on the board for the Regional Board of Schools and to be inducted into the Clinton County Baseball Hall of Fame. Curly enjoyed coaching various little league teams throughout the years. He was an avid golfer and member of Carlyle Lake Golf Course and Governor’s Run Golf Course in Carlyle, and he also enjoyed hunting and fishing. However, his greatest joy was found in the stands, watching his grandchildren's school and sporting events, where he was their most enthusiastic supporter.
Visitation for Mr. Seiffert will be held at Zieren Funeral Home, 1111 Clinton Street, Carlyle, IL on Friday, February 14, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, and again on Saturday morning from 8:00 – 9:30 AM. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church, 1171 Jefferson Street, Carlyle, IL on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment with military honors will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Carlyle.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Mr. Seiffert are suggested to St. Mary’s Church and will be received through Zieren Funeral Home. |