Siegfried "Zeke" H. Sebastian, age 87, Marshfield, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Marshfield Medical Center.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 19, 2024, at St. John's Catholic Church, Marshfield. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 9:00 am. The Knights of Columbus will lead a Rosary at 9:00 am. Father Arturo Vigueras will officiate. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery where military rights will be conducted by American Legion post 54.

Born on February 5, 1936, in Spencer, to John and Martha (Koeppen) Sebastian, Zeke's family moved to Marshfield when he was young, where he lived on "Sebastian corner" for the rest of his life. For grade school, Zeke attended a one-room schoolhouse behind what is now Menards. He learned to farm with a team of high-spirited horses and became the head of the household at an early age after the passing of his father.

Joe Burggraf, a father figure up the road, played a significant role in Zeke's life and he enjoyed being part of the Burggraf family, in addition to his immediate family (mother and brothers).

After his 1955 graduation from Marshfield Senior High School, he began working at Weyerhaeuser Company (Marshfield). He worked there for over 40 years, achieving multiple accident-free service awards until his retirement. He was proud to be a member of a union, which included serving in the role of Union Steward.

Zeke was a veteran of the United States Army. He was drafted and served two years in Germany. After fulfilling his initial term, he was pulled back in for another year to serve during the Berlin Crisis. He was honorably discharged in June, 1960. While Zeke cherished numerous memories of his service in Germany, his heart would have been equally content staying home with his little brother, Normie. They shared a special bond, and Zeke took immense joy in witnessing Normie excel in sports, with at least one football record still standing at Marshfield Senior High.

Zeke tied the knot with Alice M. Pongratz on September 15, 1962, at St. John's Catholic Church, Marshfield. The newly announced Mr. & Mrs. Sebastian enjoyed a honeymoon camping on a road trip to Niagara Falls and settled back in Marshfield.

After their first two sons, Gerald and Greg, they took a break. Three years later Zeke received the gift of his only daughter, Norma Jean, on his birthday. The following two years brought sons David, and Donald.

As a father, Zeke actively participated in his children's lives and cherished his grandchildren. He was filled with pride as each child graduated from Marshfield Columbus High School, particularly celebrating Greg and David's achievement of full college scholarships. Zeke found great fulfillment in contributing to his eldest, Gerald's, farm whenever possible. Additionally, he took pleasure in supporting his youngest, Donald, in various hobbies, sports, and projects.

Living a simple yet rich life, Zeke was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, engaging in card games and serving as a Bingo Caller. His profound love for baseball led him to not only play the game but also share his passion by coaching little league. Zeke took pride in his role on the board of the First Choice Credit Union. Moreover, he cherished his years as an Usher and later Head Usher at St. Johns, forging lasting friendships along the way.

Alice often stated that Zeke and his daughter were "two peas in a pod" as Zeke taught Norma Jean how to keep the home place running in his later years. In reference to her father, Norma Jean, heard the phrase "salt of the earth" numerous times. That is the perfect phrase to sum up Siegfried Hugo Sebastian – salt of the earth, made in Wisconsin.

Zeke is survived by his wife of 61 years, Alice, and their children, Gerald, Greg, Norma Jean, David, and Donald.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and all five of his brothers: an infant brother, and Charles, Frank, Henry, and Norman Sebastian.