Obituary of Robert Mayford Sederberg Jr.

Robert Mayford Sederberg Jr, age 95 of Duluth Minnesota, died on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at his home on East Fifth Street surrounded by his family and caregiver. He was born on December 23,1929, in Duluth to Robert and Ruth (Swanson) Sederberg.

Robert attended the Duluth Public Schools graduating from Central High School in 1947 and from the University of Minnesota, Duluth in the class of 1951. He volunteered for the United States Air Force in 1950 and graduated from the USAF Cadet School as a 2nd Lieutenant, trained as a Bombardier-Navigator. During his USAF training, Robert was forced to parachute out of a damaged B-26 during night maneuvers over Virginia from an altitude of 8,000 feet. After flying 33 combat missions in Korea, he was awarded the Air Medal with One Cluster.

Robert married Jeanne Hubert in 1954. While completing his USAF commitment in Great Falls Montana, they welcomed their first son, Bruce. Upon returning to Duluth, they purchased a residence on East Fifth Street where they welcomed two more additions to the family, Cynthia and Clayton. Jeanne pursued an active career as an attorney and ultimately became a District Court Judge. Together, they raised their three children on East Fifth Street.

In Duluth, Robert was employed at First American National Bank as a Trainee Teller, and after a diligent 32 years, retired as an Executive Vice President. Robert gained strong financial management (Treasurer) skills and became engaged in the community where his affiliations included: Member of the Lake Superior Zoological Society serving as President and Treasurer. Member of the Kitchi-Gami club where he served as President. Member of the Arrowhead Regional Development Center (ARDC) where he served as Treasurer. Board Member of the Lake Superior Transportation Museum serving as Treasurer from 1983 to 1993. A life-long member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church where he served as Escrow Treasurer for 20 years. Robert was also a 30-year member of Squaw Lake Bird Watchers Society where duck identification was key to success.

Being an active member of the Masonic Fraternity for over 60 years, Robert joined Ionic Lodge #186 and served as their Treasurer. He was a member of the AAD Temple Shrine where he served as Treasurer and Trustee. He joined the Duluth Court of Royal Order of Jesters where he served as a director. He was a member of the Scottish Rite bodies of Duluth where he was a Trustee and Program Chairman. Robert was extremely proud of being an Original Founding Member of Duluth Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language Disorders. In addition, Robert also served 15 years as a Board Member of the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington MN. For his work and dedication, Robert received the prestigious 33rd Honorary Degree of Scottish Rite Masonry.

Robert and Jeanne travelled extensively with many notable trips including Egypt, the great wall of China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, Caracas, Alaska, Churchill, India and a memorable family millennial Caribbean Cruise. They purchased a cabin on Hart Lake in Iron River

Wisconsin in 1968. For 50 years, the cabin became the epicenter of their recreation including fishing, sail boating, dog walking, pontoon rides, bird identification, and most of all cutting and splitting wood with hand tools. Robert always loved dogs and had many yellow Labradors through the years. At the time of his passing, there are 8 labradors in the immediate family.

Robert is preceded in death by his loving wife Jeanne of 65 years, a sister Ramona, and his best hunting and fishing buddy, Warren Kregness. Robert is survived by his (3) children Bruce (Brenda) Sederberg, Cynthia (Eric) Neseth, Clayton (Susan) Sederberg. (8) Grandchildren; Elisabeth (Jack) Gibbons, Kathryn Sederberg (Michael Powers), Anna Sederberg (Chris Yoshimura-Rank), Phoebe Neseth, Jon Neseth, Audrey Sederberg, Bryan (Nicole) Sederberg, Derek (Haley) Sederberg. (11) Great Grandchildren: Sylvie, Phoebe, Jane and Mae Gibbons, Aurora Rank, Stephen and Amaranthe Parker, Katelyn and Grace Sederberg, and Barrett and Samuel Sederberg.

A Funeral will be held at 10:30AM Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the Masonic Center of Duluth, 4 W 2nd Street, Duluth MN. A gathering of family and friends will begin at 10 AM that day. Interment will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Special thanks to Accent U-Care, who was instrumental in facilitating the last two years of Robert being able to remain in his residence on East Fifth Street. In Lieu of flowers, please send memorials to the Minnesota Masonic Charities, Scottish Rite Clinic of Duluth. 11501 Masonic Home Drive, Bloomington MN. 55437