Charles Richard Semer IV, 68, passed away on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at North Florida Regional Medical Center.
Chuck (Rick) was born November 18, 1944 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Charles R. Semer and Mary Lee (Roberts) Semer. He spent most of his youth in California.
He graduated from Alhambra High School, Martinez, California in 1962 and served 4 years in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam era. He received his Bachelors degree from Akron University and his Masters Degree from the Ohio State University in Plant Pathology. He retired from the University of Florida – IFAS in July of 2011 where he helped to establish and coordinate the Plant Medicine Program Clinical Trials. He found it most fulfilling to work with students. He also worked several years at Yoder Brothers in southern Florida.
He was a member of Grace Presbyterian Church, where he sang in the choir, and the Florida Track Club. He had just completed his 2nd Half Marathon and was training for the Five Points of Life Marathon in February of 2013. He was an avid reader. He loved to travel and he loved being with his family.
Chuck spent his retirement time learning wood working skills. He had just completed gifts for his family.
Chuck married Lois Franks on January 31, 1970. She survives him. They have two surviving children, Angela (Robbie) Monk of Gainesville and Ben (Nancy Peterson) Semer of Seattle, Washington; granddaughters Ashley and Amber Monk of Gainesville; brothers, George Craig (Marilyn) Semer Pollock of Pines, California, John Christoph (Melodye) Semer of Hay Fork, California, Mark Semer of Beaverton, Michigan, Steve (Lynn) Semer of Wooster, Ohio; sisters, Susan Buss of Worcester, Anne (Ross) Murphy of St. Joseph, MN, Judith (Jim) Gillick of Akron, Ohio; Aunts, Marianne Gebhardt of Paris, KY and Liz Shumway of San Francisco, CA; mother-in-law, Nancy Irving of Millersburg, Ohio; brother-in-law, Brad Franks of Bradenton, Florida; sister-in-law, Edalynn (Tim) Weiss of Marion, Ohio and many beloved nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
His parents and sister, Mary Claire, are with him in heaven.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 22, at 1 p.m. at Grace Presbyterian Church, 3146 N.W. 13th Street, Gainesville, Florida 32609 with Rev. Dr. Richard L. Palmer, officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date.
Friends may call Friday from 5-7 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Heifer International by CLICKING HERE or through contributions to Grace Presbyterian Church.
Dear Lois,Angela and Ben:
My mother and I send our deepest sympathies. Rick was a very special person and has made a huge difference in my mothers life. She looked so forward to his calls every Tuesday and she always said she felt like she was talking to her brother – he reminded her so much of her brother, Charles, whom she loved dearly. Rick was a great example of what a difference you can make in one persons life by reaching out and making a simple , thoughful gesture. I am forever grateful that he made the effort to reconnect with my Mom. She is now 87, soon to be 88, and the little things in life are so very dear to her. She is deeply saddened by the news and sends her thoughts and prayers to you and your families.
Our deepest sympathy,
Susan Gebhardt Shepherd and Marianne Gebhardt
Rest in Peace Fellow Marine.
Dear Lois, Angela and Ben,
Our family sends our deepest sympathy to you. Rick was a wonderful person, dedicated to his family. We are all better people for having known him.
Bob and Cassie Anderson
Dear Lois:
Marie and I were really shocked to hear of Chucks passing away before Christmas.
Our entire family was getting ready at this time to take an Eastern Caribbean cruise. Your husband was a great guy. We really have some great memories of
your family when we lived near Wooster in the seventies. We had a great visit with
you and Chuck last August at your relatives home in Millersburg. Only God knows
why such gracious people have to leave this earth at such a young age. You have
our deepest condolences on this tragedy. God bless your family.