Robert “Sonny” Seibert

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Robert “Sonny” B. Seibert, 67, of O’Fallon, IL, born October 28, 1953, in Belleville, IL, died Thursday, January 28, 2021, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, O’Fallon, IL.

Mr. Seibert was an electrician, working as an electrical contractor and electrical inspector. He owned and operated Lebanon & Seibert Electric, Lebanon, IL. Sonny was very involved in Tiiea-ryu karate and was an eighth-degree black belt. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, IL, and played trumpet in the church orchestra.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Henrietta, nee Kniepkamp, Seibert; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Dr. Raymond J. and Dorothy, nee Stauder, Walta; and a niece, Brittany May.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Deborah, nee Walta, Seibert, whom he married on May 20, 1978; two daughters, Jennifer Seibert, and Brooke Seibert; three brothers-in-law, Michael (Evelyn) Walta, Jeffrey Walta, and Timothy Walta; a sister-in-law, Beth (Robert) May; a nephew, Jordan May; a niece, Lauren (Jake) Bayers; two-great nephews, Brody and Bennette; and cousins.

Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, or to HSHS Hospice. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

 Funeral: Private services will be held at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.

 

 

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20 Comments on Robert “Sonny” Seibert

BRUCE A DWYER said : Guest Report Mar 18, 2021 at 1:09 PM

Sorry for your loss.I knew Bob back in early 70s and carpooled with him for about 10 years he from Shilo and 3 other from Belleville Il. to Combustion enginerring North St louis

  • MEMPHIS
  • Tennessee
Terry L. Collins said : Guest Report Feb 10, 2021 at 12:57 PM

I will always remember "Sensei Bob" as a Fantastic Karate Perfectionist. He really helped me over the years, and inspire me to keep myself in Great Fisical Shape to overcome a lot of my Challenging Hurdles in Life. He will be missed by many. :)

  • Millstadt, Illinois
  • Illinois
Steve Clement said : Guest Report Feb 03, 2021 at 11:18 AM

Debbie and the girls: i have been Bob's pharmacist for many, many years. I trained with him and utilized his electrical expertise. He was the kindest gentleman i have ever had the privilege to know. The world is a sadder place without him.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Grace and Larry Hoffman said : Guest Report Feb 02, 2021 at 9:31 PM

We always enjoyed interacting with Bob at church and enjoyed his pleasant smile ! May God comfort you with the sure hope of a blessed reunion in heaven!

  • Bellville
  • Illinois
Mrs. Reta Baxley said : Guest Report Feb 02, 2021 at 5:18 PM

What a shock! Bob was a customer of mine at Belleville Electrical over 26 years ago snd also a fellow parishioner at Zion Belleville. He also played baseball for the church with my husband Keith. We both keep the family on prayers. Truly a great loss.

  • Carlton
  • Minnesota
Laura Reisa said : Guest Report Feb 01, 2021 at 9:23 AM

I had opportunity many years ago to meet Bob at an AAL picnic. He was kind even as a teenager. His parents lived between my cousins and the base. My condolences are with his family as they miss him. May God comfort you.

  • Swansea
  • IL
Daniel F Wolf said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 10:15 PM

I knew Bob from Zion Luth Church & also worked for him part-time for about the last 9 years. He always exhibited a strong faith in Jesus, and I was grateful to be able to work for & with him. Happy to know he's now rejoicing in Heaven with the saints who've gone before!

  • Lebanon
  • Illinois
Mike Hayes said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 12:54 PM

My condolences to the Seibert family. I’ve know Bob since 1989 when I started my karate training at Fred Christian Sensei’s Dojo. Bob worked with me many times, roomed with him when we went to train in Okinawa Japan. I got to know Bob on that trip and you would not find a more sincere and nicer guy than Bob. It was a shock to learn of his passing. Bob trained me until I became a Black Belt in 1995. Bob had a lot of patience, enjoyed teaching and most of all Bob was the nicest person you would ever meet. I’ll miss Bob even though it’s been awhile since I was able to train.

  • Lebanon
  • IL
Donna Kloustermeyer said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 12:20 PM

Dear Debbie and girls, I was so saddened to hear of the loss of Bob. I met him a long time ago— such a good guy. I know you will miss him. My heart and sympathies are with you at this time. Donna Kloustermeyer

  • OFallon
  • Illinois
Bret Boyd said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 11:46 AM

So sorry to hear about your loss. Bob & I were Ushers together at Zion he will be greatly missed.

  • Collinsville
  • Il
Brent Wilson said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 10:47 AM

I have so many great memories of Sensei that I often revisit in the Belleville Dojo. I can almost hear his incredible kiai now. I sincerely regret not letting Sensei Bob know what an impact he made on my life and how he has shaped the man I am today. His teachings will live on far beyond his time here. I am already teaching my daughter the exact same principles he taught me years ago. Sensei Bob’s memory will live with our family forever.

  • Rolla
  • MO
Sherri Myers Devany said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 10:02 AM

Bob's parents were good friends of my grandparents many years ago, and Bob and I were just acquaintances back then. It wasn't until he joined Zion's orchestra, of which I am also a member, that I really got to know him. He was funny and super nice rolled into one! Bob, may the sounds of your trumpet continue to resonate over us, and may the heavens be blessed with your beautiful music! You are missed 100%! My thoughts and prayers are extended to your family...

  • Fairview Heights
  • IL
Ken Ebright said : Guest Report Jan 31, 2021 at 7:07 AM

Bob was a member of my Mens Saturday morning Bible study group. He was someone who was very kind and had a good heart. If someone needed help he willing to help. One thing he taught me is what he would say when we prayed at the end of our Bible study. He would pray "Thank you God for sending Jesus." I never occurred to me that I should be thankful to Jesus for his death on the cross and dieing for my sins. He will be greatly missed.

  • Belleville
  • IL
Daniel Wiskamp said : Guest Report Jan 30, 2021 at 12:23 PM

I knew Bob well Taking 2 semesters of code classes with him He worked his but off for his customers

  • freeburg
  • Illinois
Jim Pickering said : Guest Report Jan 30, 2021 at 10:57 AM

January 28th was indeed a sad day. I knew Bob for 20+ years, dating back to when we met at a National Electrical Code class at Belleville Area College. He knew I wanted wiring experience, and to become a great electrician, so Bob hired me to help him wire houses, teaching me everything he knew along the way. After that, Bob was always available on the phone to help me troubleshoot an electrical issue. My favorite times with Bob were coming to his shop and talking about electrical jobs. I always admired the man for his devotion to his craft, his faith, his family, and his Sensei. My sincerest condolences to the Seibert Family. We'll forever miss him.

  • Wailuku
  • HI
Rick and Marie Turcotte said : Guest Report Jan 30, 2021 at 8:51 AM

Dear Seibert family, Our sincere and heartfelt condolences at Bob’s passing. We were simply electrical customers of Bob, but his expertise, honesty, character, and friendly nature made a big impression and we continue to benefit from the work he and his crew did. A good man doing great work with kindness and humility. Our prayers are with you.

  • Mascoutah
  • IL
Ed French said : Guest Report Jan 30, 2021 at 3:50 AM

Have known Bob for over 30 years as a friend and martial artist. Bob was a well respected individual who cared about people he came in contact. RIP

  • Swansea
  • il
Ed and Charlye French said : Guest Report Jan 29, 2021 at 10:43 PM

So sorry to hear of your loss of Bob. He was a wonderful person and will be missed by many. Many fun and wonderful memories from our time Karate training together. May he find peace in his eternal dojo. Our deepest sympathy, Ed and Charlye French

  • Belleville
  • Il
Fred Schlesinger said : Guest Report Jan 29, 2021 at 10:38 PM

My deepest condolences. Bob was a wonderful and kind human being. He will be missed by many.

  • Rio Rancho
  • NM
Bill Blanchard said : Guest Report Jan 29, 2021 at 4:52 PM

Seibert family - Please accept my deepest condolences on Bob's passing. I met Sensei Bob at the Belleville Matsubayashi-ryu Dojo when I started training with he and Sensei Christian in 2011. He had endless knowledge of Shorin-ryu and the patience of Job in teaching it. We had many long talks after class over the years until his accident. I valued his friendship immensely. Once again, I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Iowa City
  • Iowa

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