Obituary of Dr. John "Jack" Raymond Sehl

Our beloved Jack died peacefully on Sunday, January 13, 2019 holding the hand of his supportive wife Mary Margaret (Kreusel), whom he was married to for 62 years.

Devoted father, mentor, and hero of Michael (Deb Jeffery), Fran (David Roth), Anne Marie (Jacob Hammer), John (Cynthia Voisin), Caroline (Wayne Philippi), and Lisa (Barry Hinschberger). He was a loving grandfather to his 16 grandchildren: Ben (Mackenzie), Jeff, John, and Emily Sehl; James and Julia Roth; Jacob and Michael Hammer; Olivia, Claudia, Anthony, Mary Ella, and Jack Sehl; Kristen, Andrea, and Lauren Philippi. He was predeceased by his parents John Martin and Anne (Henhoeffer) Sehl, his dear brother Ed (Betty) Sehl, and his precious sister Helen (Lou) Drago; all of Waterloo, Ontario.

Jack graduated from medical school at the University of Western Ontario in 1954 and completed his specialization in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Mercy Hospital in Detroit. During this time, he met the love of his life Mary, who was a nurse. They were married on April 7, 1956 and returned to Jack's hometown in 1959. He practiced at St. Mary's and Grand River Hospital for the remainder of his career. Jack was the Medical Chief of Staff of St. Mary's Hospital from 1990-93 and wherever he went, he encountered those that he had delivered throughout his dedicated vocation.

Jack and Mary cherished their family -- a household of six children immersed in a happy and active lifestyle. Jack shared his passion for tennis, golf, and skiing at Talisman with his children. He encouraged their participation in academics and believed in their success. As the family grew, he shared his enthusiasm with his children's spouses and his grandchildren. Jack was a faithful parishioner of St. Louis Catholic Church and raised his entire family with guidance from the Holy Spirit.

Beyond his complete involvement with his family, he was also very involved in his community and lead by example. He was a life-long member of the Kitchener-Conestoga Rotary Club and was President in 1975. As President of the Catholic Family Counselling Centre, he chaired the fundraising campaign to construct "the house that Jack built". He was also Chair of the District Health Council. For all of his contributions, Jack was bestowed the Papal Order, Knight Commander of St. Gregory the Great in 2003 and The Chancellor John R. Sweeney Award for Catholic Leadership at St. Jerome's University in 2016, where he was celebrated by his appreciative community.

Friends and relatives are invited to share their memories and love for Jack with his family at the Erb and Good Funeral Home, 171 King St. South, Waterloo on Friday, January 18th from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Prayer vigil will be at 8:45 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Jack's life of fulfillment and faith will be held on Saturday 10:00 a.m at St. Louis Church, 53 Allen St., East, Waterloo with Father Joseph de Viveiros. Everyone is invited to join the family in the Parish Hall for lunch and a time to visit. His final place of rest will be at Woodland Cemetery, Kitchener.

A sincere thanks to Dr. Sean Gartner, Dr. Claus Rinne, Dr. Donna Ward, and the Staff of Terrace on the Square. In honour of Jack, donations to St. Louis RC Church, The Carmel of St. Joseph, St. Mary's Hospital Foundation, or Carizon Family Services can be made at the funeral home, www.erbgood.com, or (519) 745-8445.