The Seibert Family
As told by Steve Seibert, grandson, brother and son
Cedar Valley Hospice (CVH) has long been near and dear to the Seibert Family. This incredible organization has blessed the lives of so many people in the Cedar Valley and continues its loving and caring mission, each and every day.
Dr. Cecil W. Seibert
My first memory of CVH goes back to 1984 in Waterloo, Iowa. My grandfather, Dr. Cecil Seibert, was suffering from leukemia and he was admitted to St. Francis Hospital. I was only 10 years old at that time, and I remember visiting his bedside. Grandpa Cecil knew his time to return to the Lord was near. The rest of us were not ready for that and my father, Bill Seibert, was struggling. Our parish priest from St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Fr. Franklin, spoke with my father and suggested that we invite Cedar Valley Hospice in to help. As soon as the volunteers arrived, my father was instantly at peace, as was Cecil. Although I was young at the time, I remember those last moments with Grandpa Cecil vividly, and I felt the love from the hospice volunteers that they showed to our entire family.
After Grandpa Cecil’s passing, my father, Bill, soon began volunteering in various capacities for Cedar Valley Hospice. He was instrumental in fundraising for what is now the Cedar Valley Hospice Home on Kimball Avenue in Waterloo. I knew that Cedar Valley Hospice and their mission was extremely near to my father’s heart, and he continued to volunteer for them, not knowing how they would help us again many times in the future.
Beth A. Seibert
In the spring of 2000, my sister Beth was diagnosed with leukemia. Beth was 28 years old at the time and the diagnosis rocked our family. One can never prepare emotionally for a diagnosis like that, but our Waterloo community of friends closed ranks and showered us with prayer, love, more prayer, and support. Beth fought harder than any human I knew, but the disease became too much for her body to overcome. When my parents called Cedar Valley Hospice for assistance with Beth, once again the Cedar Valley Hospice angels arrived and put us all at peace.
At that time, the lead nurse from Cedar Valley Hospice that helped Beth was Becky Duggan. Becky lived down the road from us on Woodstock and we knew her family from St. Edward’s. Becky will FOREVER be in my heart, as she brought my sister such comfort and peace! Beth wanted to pass away in our home on Ivanhoe Road, and Becky saw to it that Cedar Valley Hospice did everything they could to make that final wish a reality. Beth received the absolute best care from Becky and the Cedar Valley Hospice team, and they also administered to the needs of my dad, mom, brother and me because of the grief we were experiencing.
As Beth’s condition worsened, it became evident that she would be more comfortable at the Hospice Home on Kimball Avenue. We all agreed to have her transferred and, once again, Becky and the her team sprang into action and made it happen. Beth was settled into her room by the loving nurses there, and I was able to see the Cedar Valley Hospice Home for the first time. I realized then why dad was so passionate about getting it built for the Waterloo/Cedar Falls community! The Seibert Family was again blessed to be surrounded by angels from Cedar Valley Hospice in our time of need.
William (Bill) C. Seibert
My father and hero, Bill Seibert, became ill in the summer of 2010 from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Although initially given a diagnosis that predicted a 3–5 year life expectancy, dad’s condition worsened very quickly. We spent the next few months spending every possible moment with him that we could. To know my dad, one knew how much he cherished his family, and how much his family cherished him! The outpouring of love from friends and the community solidified in our hearts how special the Waterloo and Cedar Valley community truly is.
While dad was receiving care at Allen Hospital, our family had a meeting and dad told us it was time for him to go to the Cedar Valley Hospice Home on Kimball. He said that he was ready to see his parents, and Beth, in heaven. As hard as it was to hear him say that, we knew that our temporary separation from him on Earth was about to begin. Cedar Valley Hospice was called and dad was transferred.
Once Dad was lovingly moved to the Hospice Home on Kimball, the Cedar Valley Hospice angels immediately cared for him. To our amazement, when we walked him into his room and saw him for the first time since he was transferred, he looked like he was completely restored to health by the Cedar Valley Hospice nurses! He was washed, fed a chocolate milkshake (his favorite!), and was resting comfortably under a beautiful handmade quilt by a volunteer. One of his first visitors was none other than Becky Duggan, Beth’s Hospice nurse from before. I remember joking with her after receiving a huge bear hug from her. I told her that we had to stop meeting like this! We all laughed together, then shed some tears.
Dad was at such peace during his time at the Hospice Home. He was proud of being able to help build it, grateful that it was such an integral part of the Cedar Valley for so many families during their time of need. My father passed away in my arms, and as I felt his spirit pass on, I was instantly surrounded with love from the nurses that morning. Receiving that much love and support from them afterward is something I will never forget! The entire Hospice Home staff held us up that day and transferred my father’s body to the funeral director with such grace, respect, and love!
Marty C. Seibert
After our father’s passing, our mother continued with numerous Cedar Valley Hospice volunteer positions that our dad was involved with. Marty was invited to serve on the Board of Directors at Cedar Valley Hospice and enthusiastically served in that capacity as long as she could.
Mom fell ill in the summer of 2023 and fought a persistent infection as long as she could. While receiving care at Allen Hospital, mom made the decision that she had “had enough” and told her boys that she was beyond grateful for the life and family she had been blessed with. She missed her Bill, her daughter Bethy and her parents Hugo and Nelle. Our family once again called upon Cedar Valley Hospice for care for our beloved mother. Initially mom was treated by the Cedar Valley Hospice care team at Allen, and a bed became available at the Hospice Home on Kimball and the transfer was initiated. Each step of the way there, mom was cared for by someone who had either known Grandpa Cecil or cared for Beth and Dad during their time at the Hospice Home.
It was such beautiful moment to see mom’s reaction when I told her that she was in the same room that Beth was when she passed at the Hospice Home…an incredible sense of peace enveloped her! Shortly after Wendy tucked mom in with a beautiful hand-sewn quilt, in walks Becky Duggan to give us a hug once again in our time of need – God bless that woman! Mom stayed with us for 11 days at the Hospice Home, and as I stood with her, the Cedar Valley Hospice angels cared for all of us yet again. I am especially thankful for one of mom’s nurses, Wendy, who went above and beyond to bring me peace during mom’s passing. Each time I began to struggle with grief, Wendy was there with a hug, smile and just the right words to comfort me.
For 40 years, Cedar Valley Hospice was there for us in our time of need. The amount of love, care, support, and friendship they have given the Seibert Family, and the Cedar Valley, is a blessing for the community that all should embrace!
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