Edwin F. Sembell
Edwin F. Sembell, 94, of Springfield, joined his beloved wife and entered eternal life at 7:05 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2013 at St. John’s Hospice. He was born on October 16, 1919 to Frederick and Anna Kusch Sembell. Edwin married Margaret E. Tengler on October 19, 1947 and she precedes him in death. Also preceding Edwin in death are his parents and two brothers, Earl and Walter.
Surviving are one daughter, Janeene (James) Reid of Springfield; one son, Mark Sembell (Diane Hillard-Sembell) of Springfield; two grandchildren, Marcus Liberman and Evan Sembell, and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Edwin was a resident of Springfield all of his life. He belonged to St. John’s Lutheran Church and was a member of Group Loyal. He belonged to the Adoptive Parents Association. Edwin was an avid fisherman and boater and enjoyed gardening. He especially loved watching his two grandsons in their sports and musical activities. He worked at the Chamber of Commerce, Fiat Allis and as a lobbyist for several organizations. He retired after 37 years as Executive Director of the Illinois Lumberman Association. Edwin was in the US Army during WWII in Africa and Italy from 1941-1945 and was awarded the Legion of Merit.
Visitation: 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home.
Visitation will continue from 9am, Monday, January 3, 2013 until time of service.
Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014 at Staab Funeral Home with Pastor Brad Ferris officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to In His Hands Orphan Ministry through Rochester Christian Church.
Vern Prenzler posted on 1/2/14
Thank you Ed I met you after I returned from the army, in 1952, and started at the Corn Belt Lumber Co. My father Walter was the manager, not the owner. I had ideas and ambition, and I always went to you for advice. You gave me confidence in your willingness to help me. Your programs, newsletters and conventions matured me. Your friendship gave me a boost for action. Any success I had in the lumber business had the name of Sembell as one of my partners. I have learned leadership, compassion and Christian witness from you and Marg. Thank you for all the goodness and love that you brought into my life, and the life of the Illinois Lumber and Material Dealer's Association. Your values live on in my family and the families who love you. Lovingly and respectfully, Vern Prenzler Bloomington, IL Past President of the Illinois Lumber and Material Dealers Association 73/74 Former President of the following lumber yards/home centers in Bloomington/Normal that were closed: Lumber Lane, Lumber Land, and Corn Belt Lumber