Elbert Segelhorst

1931 - 2018

Elbert Segelhorst October 15, 1931- September 5, 2018 Elbert W. Segelhorst was born in Thiensville, WI to Gustave and Adele Segelhorst. He graduated from Lutheran H.S. and Harris Teachers College in St. Louis, MO. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1956, he earned his masters degree from Washington University, St. Louis, and his Ph.D. in economics from Columbia University, New York. In 1960, he was united in marriage to Helena Hale in New York, NY. Together, they raised two sons, Charles and Steven. Dr. Segelhorst began his 28 year teaching career in 1964 as professor of economics at Cal State Long Beach. During his tenure, he served as department chair and graduate advisor. Elbert also served as Planning Commissioner for the City of Long Beach and advocated for the preservation of historic neighborhoods. He served his congregation at First Lutheran Church in various capacities. Elbert was a formally trained singer with a passion for classical music; he enjoyed performing with church choirs since childhood. He was an avid reader of a wide range of subjects. He was an aficionado of paintings from the Dutch Golden Age and stained glass windows. Influenced by his father, a naturalist, Elbert enjoyed camping and nature. He was preceded in death by his father, Gustave; mother, Adele, and sisters, Donna Crawford and Mary Ekholm. He is survived by Helena, his wife of 57 years. Additionally, he is survived by cherished sister, Jenny Anderson, son, Charles Segelhorst and his wife, Susan; son, Steven Segelhorst and his wife, Heidi, and grandchildren, Gretchen, William, Isabelle, Annika, and Thomas. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 15, 1:00 pm at Bethany Lutheran Church, 4644 Clark Ave., Long Beach. Please sign the guestbook at www.presstelegram.com/obits