Rev. James Seyer

The Rev. James A. Seyer, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, at the Lutheran Home.

He was born Jan. 10, 1925, in Cape Girardeau, to Joseph J. and Pauline J. Dohogne Seyer.

Seyer was raised in St. Mary's Parish, attended St. Mary Grade School, and had a fondness for St. Mary's Parish where he served several years as associate pastor.

He was ordained May 30, 1950, at Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph E. Ritter, archbishop of St. Louis for the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

Following his ordination, Seyer's first assignment was at Corpus Christi Parish in Jennings, Mo. He later served at St. Cronan in St. Louis and St. Andrew in Lemay, Mo. He was incardinated into the Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau in April 1957 where he served as pastor at St. Susanne in Mount Vernon, Mo., Sacred Heart in Bolivar, Mo., St. William in Buffalo, Mo., St. Cecilia in Kennett, Mo., St. Joseph in Steele, Mo., and Sacred Heart in Dexter, Mo.

Seyer's many other assignments included teaching part-time at DeAndreis High School and Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis, chaplain at Missouri State Sanatorium and Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau. He was instructor of Christian doctrine at Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau, parochial administrator for St. Teresa in Glennonville, Mo., and Sacred Heart in Wilhelmina, Mo. Upon retirement, Seyer continued to serve in parish sacramental ministry as needed.

He possessed an enormous memory bank. He was also noted for his injection of humor into any homily he presented but never forgot the seriousness of the moment. He had an extreme sensitivity to any service he was involved in and was very particular that it be done the right way. He was extremely dedicated to his priestly ministry to the end of his life, even when it was difficult for him. He was very appreciative to those people who were close to him.

Survivors include a brother, Vince Seyer (Louise) of Cape Girardeau; two sisters-in-law, Dorothy Seyer of Jackson and Frieda Seyer of Cape Girardeau; nephews and nieces, Tom Lappe (Sharon), Mary Emmenderfer Richey (Mike), Judy Burger (Mike), Richard Seyer (Kim), Donna Mirly, Jeannie Roark, Steve Longinette, Linda Arras (Bob), Nancy Eichemier, Connie Hess, David Seyer (Staci), Kathy Sutterfield (Jeff), Beverly Essner (Jerome), Walter Seyer (Kathy), Jeff Seyer (Becky, deceased), Ken Seyer (Debbie), Chris Seyer, deceased, (Joni), Roger Seyer (Kari), Steve Seyer (Jane) and Teresa Givens (Scott); numerous great- and great-great-nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Mark Seyer, Oscar Seyer, Clarence Seyer, C.M., the Rev. Francis Seyer, Joseph Seyer and infant brother, Thomas Seyer; four sisters, Sister Adelma Seyer, S.S.N.D., Sister Clovis Seyer, S.S.N.D., Irma Lappe and Delphine Longinette.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today and from 9 a.m. until service time Thursday at St. Mary's Cathedral. Parish prayers will be at 7 p.m.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with the Most Rev. James V. Johnston, Bishop Emeritus John J. Leibrecht, and concelebrating priests and deacons officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery.

Ford and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Mary's Cathedral Building Fund.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.