Eli A. Seighman Sr.

March 30, 1939 - January 19, 2013

Eli Seighman, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at his home, the Charleston House in Beaver Dam, WI.

Eli was born on March 30, 1939 in New Salem, Pennsylvania to Charles and Hazel (Benke) Seighman. He graduated from Uniontown High School in Uniontown, PA in 1957. Eli then went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from West Virginia University in 1961 and obtained a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies degree in 1962 from Western Reserve University in Ohio.

He pursued a fulfilling career in library sciences. From 1962-1967, he served as the librarian at Kenston High School in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. He continued to offer his services as a librarian at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam from 1967 until his retirement in 2005. While at Wayland, Eli also served as the Director of the boys” dorms for over 20 years. He had an appreciation, love and talent for music and was known by many as the organist at Wayland and the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Waupun, WI. He also shared his talent at many other locations and occasions. Eli was regarded as a truly gifted and resourceful librarian who would happily assist others with his ability to locate any necessary materials. He is most often remembered for his gentle kindness to all who entered his library, whether looking for research material, a shoulder to cry on or a snack shared with a welcoming smile. In his free time, he also enjoyed reading, chocolate and making people laugh.

Survivors include his sister and brother, Shirley Buehner and Charles (Ceil) Seighman, both of Hopwood, PA: nieces; Susie Seighman of Mechanicsburg, PA, nephews; Chuck (Julie) Seighman of State College, PA, Bill (Dianne) Buehner of Hopwood, PA, Bob (Kim) Buehner of Hopwood, PA and Jack (Mary Jo) Buehner of Chalk Hill, PA; grandnephews and grandnieces; long term friends and caregivers, Diane Alpaugh and Sandra Wald; and other friends from the Wayland and Beaver Dam communities. Eli was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Emily Seighman Hester.

A memorial gathering will be held at the Kimberly Chapel at Wayland on Wednesday, January 23, 2013, with visitation between 11:00 -1:00, a service at 1:00 and reception at 2:00 in Wayland”s Pickard Dining Hall.

If desired, memorials may be made in Eli Seighman”s name to Wayland Academy, Beaver Dam, WI 53916 or New Salem Presbyterian Church, New Salem, PA 15468.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Kimberly (Wayland) Chapel-Beaver Dam

Service Details

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2013, 1:00pm, Kimberly (Wayland) Chapel-Beaver Dam

Eli Seighman, age 73, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at his home, the Charleston House in Beaver Dam, WI. Eli was born on March 30, 1939 in New Salem, Pennsylvania to Charles and Hazel (Benke) Seighman. He graduated from Uniontown High School in Uniontown, PA in 1957. Eli then went on toContinue Reading

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Eli was not only an exceptional educator, he was a wonderful friend. While at Wayland Academy, he served as my mentor. He guided me through a most Diffucult time in my life and for that, I will be eternally grateful. Eli always had time - spending hours of his time working with me after classes ended. Numerous times he was there to listen, and wipe the tears from my eyes. After I left Wayland, the dynamic of student and teacher became a relationship between friends. We stayed in contact far after I graduated, and shared many interests including food, restaurants and music. I will always remember him as a guide that helped me understand my true self, and as an individual that illustrated what it is to be a real humanitarian.

Uncle Earl,
You will be greatly missed. I have so many fond memories of you from my childhood....especially those backyard BBQs! My thoughts and prayers to out to Aunt Rose and my cousins.

Dear Klossner Family,
We send our deepest sympathy and wish we could be with you tomorrow. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Anita, Paul, Tressa and Maureen Neal

Mr Seighman was my Holden Caufield, he kept me from running off the cliff in to mediocrity. I am sad to hear he has passed, but I say to all, what a man this gentleman was, tall and strong, but soft in heart.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Mr. Seighman was a terrific mentor to me at Wayland. When I think back at all the great memories I have of Wayland, Eli is in all of them. R.I. P. my friend.

Eli was one of the great figures of the Wayland community. No matter what I was onto or into, be it music or books or just life itself, I felt that Mr. Seighman understood.

Memories become a part of us and we have so many wonderful memories of Eli and wish him eternal peace and love.

So sorry for your loss. I remember Eli well from my days at the Beaver Dam Library.

Mr. Seighman was a terrific mentor to me at Wayland. When I think back at all the great memories I have of Wayland, Eli is in all of them. R.I. P. my friend.

Eli was one of the great figures of the Wayland community. No matter what I was onto or into, be it music or books or just life itself, I felt that Mr. Seighman understood.

Memories become a part of us and we have so many wonderful memories of Eli and wish him eternal peace and love.

So sorry for your loss. I remember Eli well from my days at the Beaver Dam Library.

Our thoughts and compassion are sent to his family and friends who were also so deeply touched by Eli''s wonderful character. With love and understanding.

Without doubt Mr. Seighman was a bright, bright light at Wayland. His smile, his manner, his dignity, his knowledge helped make not only the library an inviting and invigorating place, but also the whole campus. He helped make Wayland even better than it was.

Sweet Eli, the epitome of the Wayland experience for any of us who worked/lived/learned there during his years in residence. Your like will not be known again.

With great sadness I learned this news today. In my career I can think of few other colleagues who were so caring and congenial. On tough days, he was always there to be supportive, understanding, or slip in a quiet joke that would always make me smile. Truly, a sad day for the entire Wayland community and all the folks who''ve had the good fortune to know him and enjoy his bright company. Good bye, Eli, you were dearly loved.

Our thoughts and compassion are sent to his family and friends who were also so deeply touched by Eli''s wonderful character. With love and understanding.

Sweet Eli, the epitome of the Wayland experience for any of us who worked/lived/learned there during his years in residence. Your like will not be known again.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.