Gerald Raymond “Jerry” Seger, 90, passed away on January 22, 2026. A funeral mass will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Galena, IL. Friends may call after 9 AM until the time of mass. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Military honors will be accorded following the mass by Galena VFW Post #2665 and American Legion Post #193. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. Born in Dubois, Indiana, on January 7, 1936, Jerry grew up in Jasper, IN, with his parents, Edwin and Myrtle Seger, and his three sisters, Nancy, Peg, and Jane. He attended college at Purdue University, where he took a 2-year break after his freshman year to enlist in the Army. After completing his undergraduate degree, he attended the University of Iowa to receive his Master’s in Physical Therapy. It was during his time in Iowa City that he met his future wife, Jan Bussan. After graduation, he moved to Waterloo to work at the Allen Memorial Hospital. The couple married on August 8, 1964, at St. Mary’s Church in Galena. Jan and Jerry had their first child, Michael, in Waterloo before moving to Freeport, IL, in 1966. At that time, Jerry founded the Freeport Rehabilitation Center and continued running it until he retired more than 30 years later. He and Jan had three more daughters, Cheryl, Diana, and Michelle. Jerry was a member of the Elks Club and an active participant in the Regal Investment Club. He enjoyed games and could spend hours at the bingo table celebrating holidays in Shullsburg and Benton. Jerry also organized yearly canoe trips with friends, as well as fishing trips in Canada. As a lover of the outdoors, Jerry and his father-in-law purchased acreage near Scales Mound, affectionately known as BS Achers. This became the family’s weekend destination for the next 30 years. Jerry loved being up there – raising horses, clearing fields and paths through the woods, and hosting hunting weekends. He and Jan moved there full-time in 2001. The Farm quickly became a home for all. Family and friends regularly gathered there for holidays, weekend getaways, and monthly poker games. By August 1st, you could find Jerry riding the tractor, mowing the fields. Always quick-witted and ready with a keen observation, he will be sorely missed. The family is thankful for the loving care and support provided by the staff at Parkview Home, particularly during his final years in Park West. He is survived by his wife, Jan; four children, Michael (Maryjo) Seger, Cheryl Seger, Diana (Darrin) Witte, and Michelle (Jim) Birkett; nine grandchildren, Adam (Kelsey) Seger, John, Lucy (Jordan), Cole, and Sarah Seger, Drew and Nate Witte, and Ana and Jake Birkett; one great-grandchild, Sophie Seger; sisters, Peg (Ray) Messmer, and Perry Knies; and sisters-in-law, Carolyn Bussan, Judy Bussan, and Liz Murphy and many nieces and nephews. Jerry was preceded in death by Edwin and Myrtle Seger, Nancy and Dud Mehringer, Jane Knies, Pete and LyNette Bussan, Richard Bussan, Terry Bussan, and Bill Murphy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Gerald R. “Jerry” Seger
I’m so sorry for your loss. I still have good memories of your dad growing up and running the therapy department with my dad. My thought and prayers are with you all.
Our deepest condolences to the entire Seger family on the loss of Jerry. He will be greatly missed, and his memory will live on through all who loved him.
With love, Dan and Kristin Alber
Dear Jan and Family, Jerry literally changed my life generously allowing me to volunteer in the “Repair Shop” in 1978. Jan, you defined the sacrament of marriage in your patient, enduring care of Jerry at Parkview. His wry smile was still there in Dec when I’d crack a PT joke with him… so sorry for your loss. May he and mom share a meal in heaven with hot coffee and real knives ; )). Thanks as well for befriending mom as a neighbor…she so enjoyed your many conversations. ~ matt and jennifer
Jan: Sorry to learn of your husbands passing. Please accept my sympathy. Marion Turpin
I’m so sorry. Many thoughts and prayers with you all during this time. He was such a wonderful man and Godfather to me and I have so many fond memories of growing up with him and all of his family! I know he will be missed by many!
Our deepest sympathies to ALL the Seger family. We will be unable to attend the service, but want the world to know we all lost one of the good ones. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. RPI.
Dear Jan and Family, Jerry literally changed my life generously allowing me to volunteer in the “Repair Shop” in 1978. Jan, you defined the sacrament of marriage in your patient, enduring care of Jerry at Parkview. His wry smile was still there in Dec when I’d crack a PT joke with him… so sorry for your loss. May he and mom share a meal in heaven with hot coffee and real knives ; )). Thanks as well for befriending mom as a neighbor…she so enjoyed your many conversations.
Sending Hugs and Prayers to the entire Seger Family. Frank and I have truly been blessed both Professionally and Personally in our connection to Jerry and Jan over the years. Absolutely a wonderful Duo. Hugs to Jan and Family at this difficult time. We are planning on donating in Jerry’s name to the Alzheimer’s Organization.
Kind regards,
Marcia
Dear Jan — Cheryl, Diana, Michelle, Michael, Adan — and all of your families,
We felt blessed to live directly behind you when we moved to Freeport with our young family! What a joy to have such wonderful neighbors! It has been our privilege to remain in touch, and we share in your sorrow. Our prayer is that the strength of family, good friends, and your faith carries you through this difficult time. There’s no substitute for the voice of Jerry’s counsel and wisdom, yet we know the memories you hold dear will bring you comfort and surround your grieving hearts.
With our most heartfelt condolences — Marci & Kevin Kilpatrick, along with our kids Connor, Quinn, Eileen, Liam and Aidan (and their families)
So many years has passed since I worked for Judy Bussan and graduated with Billy in 1962
Our deepest condolences for the entire Seger family with the passing of Gerry. You all are a reflection of the great man he was and the importance Jan and he put on family. Blessing and prayers.
So sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing.. We always appreciated your support when we lived in Freeport and for keeping in touch through the years. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jan & Family, so very sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing!! Such a great guy! Sophie & I would look so forward to Wednesdays when he came to do therapy for Sophie! We had some wonderful conversations!! Our deepest sympathy!!!