John Edward Seifert, 96, of DeWitt, Iowa, died Tuesday evening, July 3, 2012, surrounded by his family.

The Liturgy of Christian Burial for John, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 7, 2012, in St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, with the Reverend Father Paul Connolly officiating. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery, where military rites will be conducted by Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238 of DeWitt. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph Catholic School.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Dennis Galitz, Robert Seifert, Steve Seifert, Todd Seifert, Brooke Seifert and Brent Seifert. Honorary pallbearers will be Dick Hergert, Alan Anderson, Bob Brown, Bill Homrighausen, Roger Crosthwaite and Doug Lass.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 6, 2012, from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. A Knights of Columbus rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. and a vigil service at 7:00 p.m.

John Edward Seifert was born September 19, 1915, in DeWitt, to Edward and Anastasia (Hertig) Seifert. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph Church and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1933. John was the last living member of his class. He attended Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, earning certificates to teach in Iowa elementary and rural schools. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in the China-Burma-India Theater for 2 1/2 years in India with the Signal Corps and later as Communications Platoon Sergeant in Germany and Czechoslovakia until the war ended in Europe. He was discharged with the rank of Master Sergeant. John was awarded two Bronze Stars and was entitled to wear the American Defense Service ribbon, the Asiatic Pacific Theater ribbon, the European Campaign ribbon and the Good Conduct ribbon and medal, the Combat Infantry badge and five overseas bars. John retired from the Iowa Mutual Insurance Company following 34 years as Workmen’s Compensation Claims Examiner, Claims Department Personnel Supervisor and Assistant Vice President in Claims.

John was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Church and was elected to serve on the first established parish council with the financial committee. In past years, he was an usher and also assisted with counting the offerings after the Masses. He was a member of the Iowa Mutual 20-Year Club, a member and past commander of The American Legion Eugene McManus Post #238 and a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He was an honorary member for life with the Knights of Columbus and a life member of the Loyal Order of Moose. He belonged to the Quad City Plus 60 Club and the Central Community Historical Society. He enjoyed traveling and had taken trips through all the states with the exception of North Dakota and Alaska. He went to Hawaii, Mexico City and traveled through Canada in east and west trips visiting Quebec, Montreal, Lake Louise and Vancouver. He also took a cruise to the Bahamas. John loved being with family and friends, going to parties and good restaurants, and was a die-hard Cubs fan.

Survivors include a brother, George (Margaret) Seifert of DeWitt; several nieces and nephews and a special friend, Mary Wasson.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-mother, Clara Seifert; brothers, Jerry Seifert and Charles Seifert; a sister, Geraldine Seifert Galitz; a step-sister, Lucille Turner; and nephew, Phillip Seifert.

Condolences are welcome at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, is caring for the arrangements.