Richard Lee Seefeldt, 63, of Springfield, formerly of rural Mt. Pulaski, lost his battle with cancer at 11:30 P.M. August 16, 2010 at St. John’s Hospice in Springfield.

Richard was born into the Seefeldt family April 26, 1947, in Lincoln, Illinois, to Wilbur and Fernola Seefeldt.  His maternal grandparents were Albert T and Florence Reiterman, and his paternal grandparents were William F. and Flora F. Seefeldt.

In addition to his parents, Richard was preceded in death by two infant sisters: Nancy Ann and Jane Ellen.  He is survived by his brother Darrell D. and wife Nancy, of Alamosa, Colorado; and by an extended family of relatives and friends, including Larry, Lori, Linda, Richard, Dick, Carol, Bud, Jane, Pete, and Carolyn.  These caring friends and family were some of Richard’s greatest supporters, who shared his life and helped him during his illness.  Their loving care was a constant source of inspiration and comfort to him.

Richard grew up in the Latham-Mt. Pulaski area, graduating from Mt. Pulaski High School in 1965.  He went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Ag. Econ. from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale in 1970.

He lived, worked and farmed for many years near Mt. Pulaski.  He worked for more than 19 years for Big B Agro in Warrensburg, delivering gas while building a loyal following of customers and friends.  Richard loved life and loved people.

His gardening touched many people with his summer vegetable crops, and his enthusiasm for travel led him to more than 17 foreign countries.

Richard was a charter member of the Monticello and Mt. Pulaski Jaycees and was a state Jaycee senator.  He served as Republican Trustee of Lake Fork Township for 12 years.  Also he was a member of the Mt. Pulaski Sons of the American Legion. 

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Saturday August 21, 2010 at Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home, Mt. Pulaski, conducted by Hyland Smith.  Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 P.M. Friday evening at the funeral home.  There will be a prayer service at 3:30 P.M. 

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Hospice in Springfield, Latham Community Building, Mt. Pulaski Sons of the American Legion or to Blessed Sacrament Parish in Springfield. 

[Copied from file received from Fricke-Calvert-Schrader Funeral Home]