- Born on: October 7, 1933
- Departed on: November 1, 2026
- Resided in: Clutier, IA
Roland "Rollie" Seda
Roland Lee "Rollie" Seda, 93, of Clutier, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 1, 2026. Burial services will be held Friday, November 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Clutier, Iowa. A Celebration of Life will follow from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the American Legion in Clutier.
Rollie was born on October 7, 1933, in Clutier, Iowa, to James and Agnes (Martinek) Seda. He graduated from Clutier School in 1951 and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany, receiving an honorable discharge in 1956 as a Staff Sergeant.
Rollie began his career with Funk Bros. Seed Company, eventually becoming a Regional Sales Manager. He retired from Ciba Seeds in 1992 and later worked as a crop insurance adjuster. While he took pride in his accomplishments, the most rewarding part of his career was the people he worked with. Many became like family, and those friendships continued for decades after his retirement.
On June 22, 1957, Rollie married Mary Jane Thornton. They raised their son, Daniel, in Forest City before moving to rural Clutier in 1987. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendships, and cherished traditions. In his later years, as his health declined, Mary became his devoted caregiver. Rollie often expressed his deep gratitude for her unwavering love and care.
Rollie had a competitive spirit and a love for the outdoors. He looked forward to annual fishing trips, where the banter surrounding the Pepper and Fishing Tournaments was often as memorable as the fishing itself. Whether playing cards, catching the biggest fish, shooting a trophy deer, or trying his luck at the Star Dust casino, Rollie enjoyed the competition almost as much as the company.
That love of being together carried into annual family vacations to Leech Lake in Minnesota and later Big St. Germain in Wisconsin. Days were filled with boating, puzzles, trips to the casino, and Rollie making sure everyone went back for seconds or thirds. Evenings often ended with a lively, and sometimes loud, card game around the table.
Proud of his Czech heritage, Rollie treasured a 2015 trip to the Czech Republic with Mary, Dan, and Patti, where he met relatives and visited the place his grandfather once called home. It was another opportunity to connect with the people and history that meant so much to him.
While Rollie loved a little friendly competition, it was always the people who mattered most. He recently told a young hunter, "It's not about the hunt and more about spending the day together and enjoying the beautiful day." That sentiment captured how he lived, whether with family, longtime friends, or former coworkers. When you were in Rollie's circle, you were in it for life.
Rollie was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge and the Hora-Machacek American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary; his sister, Lana Ray of Red Oak; his son, Daniel (Patti) Seda of Swisher; his grandchildren, Blake (Peyton) Seda, Stephanie (Ben) Van Hemert, and Nate (Jenny) Klein; and six great-grandchildren, Lillian, Ellary, Tobin, and Riggs Klein, and Charlotte and Josie Van Hemert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Martha Seda; his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Dale Fisher; and his brother-in-law, Larry Ray.
Any memorials received will be directed to the American Legion and other organizations chosen by the family
Rollie was born on October 7, 1933, in Clutier, Iowa, to James and Agnes (Martinek) Seda. He graduated from Clutier School in 1951 and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Germany, receiving an honorable discharge in 1956 as a Staff Sergeant.
Rollie began his career with Funk Bros. Seed Company, eventually becoming a Regional Sales Manager. He retired from Ciba Seeds in 1992 and later worked as a crop insurance adjuster. While he took pride in his accomplishments, the most rewarding part of his career was the people he worked with. Many became like family, and those friendships continued for decades after his retirement.
On June 22, 1957, Rollie married Mary Jane Thornton. They raised their son, Daniel, in Forest City before moving to rural Clutier in 1987. Together, they built a life filled with family, friendships, and cherished traditions. In his later years, as his health declined, Mary became his devoted caregiver. Rollie often expressed his deep gratitude for her unwavering love and care.
Rollie had a competitive spirit and a love for the outdoors. He looked forward to annual fishing trips, where the banter surrounding the Pepper and Fishing Tournaments was often as memorable as the fishing itself. Whether playing cards, catching the biggest fish, shooting a trophy deer, or trying his luck at the Star Dust casino, Rollie enjoyed the competition almost as much as the company.
That love of being together carried into annual family vacations to Leech Lake in Minnesota and later Big St. Germain in Wisconsin. Days were filled with boating, puzzles, trips to the casino, and Rollie making sure everyone went back for seconds or thirds. Evenings often ended with a lively, and sometimes loud, card game around the table.
Proud of his Czech heritage, Rollie treasured a 2015 trip to the Czech Republic with Mary, Dan, and Patti, where he met relatives and visited the place his grandfather once called home. It was another opportunity to connect with the people and history that meant so much to him.
While Rollie loved a little friendly competition, it was always the people who mattered most. He recently told a young hunter, "It's not about the hunt and more about spending the day together and enjoying the beautiful day." That sentiment captured how he lived, whether with family, longtime friends, or former coworkers. When you were in Rollie's circle, you were in it for life.
Rollie was a member of the ZCBJ Lodge and the Hora-Machacek American Legion.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Mary; his sister, Lana Ray of Red Oak; his son, Daniel (Patti) Seda of Swisher; his grandchildren, Blake (Peyton) Seda, Stephanie (Ben) Van Hemert, and Nate (Jenny) Klein; and six great-grandchildren, Lillian, Ellary, Tobin, and Riggs Klein, and Charlotte and Josie Van Hemert.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Martha Seda; his sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Dale Fisher; and his brother-in-law, Larry Ray.
Any memorials received will be directed to the American Legion and other organizations chosen by the family
