Robert J. Seifert
Obituary
Celebrating Robert J. Seifert
St. Luke's church in Jolon is a local historical treasure. Founded by the Rev. James Shannon McGowan and built in 1873 by three Plaskett brothers from Pacific Valley at the invitation of their sister Olive Plaskett McLean, it is a Mission of the Episcopal diocese of El Camino Real today.
For over 150 years, St. Luke's church and guild hall have served as a community and spiritual center to the area around Jolon and Lockwood. Once staffed by full time ministers, it hosted only visiting clergy at the close of the last century.
Episcopal Deacon Robert Seifert was asked by then Bishop Mary Grey-Reeves to provide support to St. Luke's in 2010. It became his home and passion for the following decade. Many local residents became new worshippers and helped restore the church and grounds, Robert, as he preferred being called, retired to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in January 2020. He returned for many visits during the intervening years, volunteering to maintain his beloved church and cemetery.
Deacon Seifert died on July 9, 2024 of complications of Melanoma, in a Houston hospital.
The diocese will honor him with a liturgical service on November 16, 2024 at St. Paul in Salinas at 11 a.m. followed by a graveside service at St. Luke's, Jolon at 2:30 p.m.
Local friends and church members will celebrate his life and legacy with a special Vespers Supper Club in the Guild Hall at St. Luke's, Jolon followed by a church service of Vespers on Saturday, October 12, 2024 beginning at 5 p.m.. Those who knew Robert as the Vicar of all Jolon are invited to share a potluck meal and their memories, photos and tributes.
Published in King City Rustler and Salinas Valley Tribune · October 1, 2024