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Roger Sebert Obituary
Visalia - Roger Sebert, beloved long time Visalia OB-GYN physician, passed away on Oct 4, 2019.
Dr Sebert was no stranger to Visalia, and you couldn't go anywhere with him without one of his patients, including 'mothers' and their families, stopping by to say a kind word and give a hug. He practiced medicine for over 40 years, delivering thousands of babies, including the children of babies he delivered. His faith in God was strong all of his life. He was even known to pray with his patients
before surgery. He loved what he did and was dedicated to the care of his patients.
Roger was the eldest child of Wilbur and Ila Mae Bisgrove Sebert, born in Clarion Iowa on June 30, 1943. He came from a farming family, rising early to do his chores before heading off to school, then returning home to help out again in the evening.
He obtained his undergraduate degree at Iowa State, then attended the University of Iowa Medical School where he graduated in 1969. He completed his residency in Fresno CA, then began private practice in Visalia, eventually joining the staff of Visalia Medical Clinic.
He was a lifelong athlete beginning in Clarion and continuing into college with his State Champion individual and team rankings at Iowa State, where he was also a two time All American in 1964 and 1965. He was well known in Visalia as an avid runner. He was also instrumental in the founding of Kaweah Delta Lifestyle Center and the Visalia Runners organization. He completed over 80 marathons as well as the Western States 100, where he finished the demanding 100 mile course in less than 24 hours.
He loved running and ran until he physically could no longer do so. Everything he did, he did to his fullest ability. He pushed himself hard, and expected no less from anyone else.
He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his loving wife of over 20 years, Carlene; children from his first marriage: son Shawn Sebert (Dee Dee) and grandchildren Samuel, Emma and
Jackson; son Ryan Sebert (Amy) and step granddaughter Sorena Phonesy; and daughter Amanda Sebert; step children Matthew Frescura; Kristen Frescura Morrison (Kevin) and step-granddaughters Oliva and Everly; sisters Judy Sebert Lettow (Everett) and Audrey Sebert Quick (Steve), brother Rodney Sebert (Leann); and many nieces, nephews and many great-nieces and great-nephews.
Roger will be greatly missed and fondly remembered not only by his family and friends, but also the many people whose lives he touched.
Services will be held at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel on Saturday, October 19, 2019, at 9:30 AM.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Parkinson's Foundation or Kaweah Delta Hospice. Condolences can be made to www.salseranddillard.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Roger Sebert
Sponsored by Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel - Visalia.
bill osak
October 18, 2023
While I cannot run anymore, I bike every other day, thinking of Roger's drive and humor. There is not a week that goes by I dont have a thought of him. He is missed as a friend and runner..
April 2016
Dawn Woudstra
October 27, 2019
I am so sorry for for your loss! Roger was a beloved friend of mine and running partner during my years in Visalia. He delivered both my children, talking about the Sacramento marathon that was going on as he delivered my son by way of C-section. ☺ I have many memories of running with him at Rocky Hill, canals, etc. He had a big heart! I am grateful to have know him as a friend and Dr.
Amanda Sebert
October 23, 2019
I didn't get the running gene (head down in shame). I am a lot like you though, dad. I too walk to the tune of my own drum (probably one of your old ones). Although I miss you, your thread is sewn throughout my whole being (both the good and the bad) that you will always be with me and I do feel your presence every day. Thank you for being my dad and for being such a blessing and positive influence to those around you. Keep Jesus on his toes till I get there!
Andre
October 19, 2019
My condolences and prayers go out to his family. Roger was a unique and giving person. I ran my first marathon with Roger and that in itself was a great and interesting experience. Your sense of humor and devotion will be missed!
Richard Rodriguez
October 16, 2019
Sandra Vartanian
October 15, 2019
I was so sad to hear of Dr. Sebert's passing. He was the best doctor who went over and beyond his call of duty. He cared about his patients and made personal phone calls to let you know test results or to check in. Even when retired, I was able to get his professional advice. I was lucky to have had him as my doctor.
Sandra Vartanian
Deana Coburn
October 14, 2019
Like so many other women/mothers in Visalia, Dr. Sebert delivered two of my three children. He was a wonderful Dr. and then a family friend as we shared running in common having participated in Relay for Life many years, the Visalia Runners Flume Run, Thanksgiving Race Against Hunger and other events. He will be truly missed. Deana Coburn
Dana and Terri Warren
October 14, 2019
Sad day for all of his friends, patients and family. Roger delivered our 4 children. Several times he was the last one in the delivery room, rushing in from a wrestling tournament. We'd always run into him at St. Mary's Church on Sundays, where he would constantly prod me to start running. I finally gave in and enjoyed several years or running with/behind him and his cohorts. I remember a few party's at his home where he'd break out the karaoke machine and we'd all sing off key for several hours. He was a down to earth guy that was so approachable and such a good friend.
He will be missed by everyone's life he touched.
Blessings to all his family and friends.
Sincerely,
Dana and Terri Warren
Dana and Terri Warren
Los Osos, Ca
Los Osos, California
Bobby Coburn
October 14, 2019
I always enjoyed starting my running with Roger and his group. I had the pleasure of running my 1st marathon with Roger ,at least the first 15 miles before he decided to run to his full potential. I will miss your humor and insight that was all yours , Happy Trails my friend.
Bobby Coburn
October 14, 2019
Connie McCann
October 14, 2019
He will truly be missed. I enjoyed talking to him whenever he would call Dad & Mom just to say hi to them and see how they were doing. Since I moved to Minnesota, he would tell me that he would stop by sometime for a visit when he went back home to Iowa.
God Bless you Dr. Sebert and may you rest in peace.
My condolences to all the family.
Sincerely,
Connie (Cordill) McCann
Minnesota
Alma vieyra
October 14, 2019
He will be. Missed had the privilege to work with him a gentle kind heartedan
JOHN/ELLEN WHIPPLE
October 13, 2019
What a loss, Roger. Our lives changed in a BIG (healthy!) way when we moved to Visalia in 1981, living across the street from the Sebert's. You didn't live by Roger & not run! We both got into it, but especially John (who was much bigger than Roger, and consequently got constant "prodding" to run faster!). We appreciated him as a good friend, inspiring athlete, exceptional MD, & father to his kids who grew up with ours. We are praying for strength, & comfort from our Heavenly Father to all the Sebert family. Blessings to all family & friends.
Craig Newport
October 13, 2019
Roger was a unique individual. He will be missed in many areas of life in Visalia. As a member of his "morning run" group, I ran thousands of miles at his side. Actually, I was mostly one step behind, because Roger always pushed the pace in all phases of his life. I will remember many of those discussions as long as I can preserve memories. We both agreed that we would probably not see anyone run a sub-2 hour marathon in our lifetimes. Roger was correct. I was not. Roger would probably enjoy that . . .
Jackie Cordill
October 12, 2019
My whole family loved him so much, he was a very special person and such a good friend and very close to God. We will miss him and I know he will have a very special place in heaven with our Heavenly Father.. love, Ron & Jackie Cordill and family
Larry Doss
October 12, 2019
Rest In Peace my dear friend and fellow runner. It was a joy to have known you and you will be missed by all that knew you .
Lynn Carrillo
October 12, 2019
A blessing to so many! He will greatly missed. Rest In Peace Dr Sebert until the resurrection day! ❤
bill osak
October 12, 2019
What a wonderful recount of Roger's life. I had thought that it would be difficult to write. I ran with Roger and the others and wondered how anyone could pull his accomplishments together. There were just too many memories that he helped inspire as stated in the obit. His accomplishments as a Doctor and runner are well known. But our projects on the Shaver Lake cabin still brings a smile to me.
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