Dennis Seyer

Dennis C. Seyer, 75, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, at his home.

Dennis was born March 4, 1947, to Clarence H. and Bernice A. Dickman Seyer in Chicago. He grew up in St. Louis as the second of three children, alongside his older brother, Damon Seyer, and his younger sister, Deborah Kozuszek.

After attending secondary school at St. Vincent's Seminary in Cape Girardeau, he graduated high school from Corpus Christi in St. Louis. He earned his undergraduate degree at Southeast Missouri State University, received his master's from Saint Louis University, and completed his Master of Fine Arts from the University of New Orleans.

On May 26, 1978, he married the love of his life, Ellen T. Gruber, someone who shared his passion for theater.

He served as a faculty member in the Department of Speech and Theater at Southeast Missouri State University from 1977 to 2007. During this time, he touched the lives of a multitude of individuals as a teacher, scenic and lighting designer, and director. Equally at home in the classroom and on the shop floor, by the time of his retirement he had designed over 140 shows and directed 25 productions.

An avid traveler, Dennis led numerous trips to New York, where he shared his love of Broadway with students and community members. He established Dennell Travel after retirement, where he continued to lead tour groups to Europe and in the United States.

On April 28, 2022, he was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Holland College of Arts and Media at Southeast Missouri State University.

Always active, he was a fourth-degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 1111 and provided continuous service to Old St. Vincent's Church for decades.

He shared his love of musical theater with the community through his hit KRCU radio show "Broadway Melodies" over several years. He loved theater and film, and could frequently be seen at the movie theater with his wife and family.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Ellen; his two boys, Sean and Geoffrey; and his grandson, Shane.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Funeral Home, 1001 N. Mount Auburn Road, with parish prayers at 7 p.m., followed by the rosary.

The funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Old St. Vincent's Church, 131 S. Main St., with interment following at Cape County Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send monetary gifts to the Dennis C. Seyer Scholarship at Southeast Missouri University Foundation, 1 University Plaza MS 7300, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.