Lila Seager, 89, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Halifax Health – Hospice – Ormond Beach Care Center, in Florida, on December 29th, 2024, after a full and active life.

Lila Seager was born Lila Ann Hart on January 22, 1935, in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The oldest of two girls, Lila and her younger sister, Barbara were raised by their parents, Arthur and Amanda Hart in Stratford, Connecticut. Family was always a priority for Lila. Even as the girls grew up and moved away from home, distance was unable to loosen their bonds, both to their parents, and to one another.

Following her graduation from Stratford High School in 1952, Lila attended the University of Vermont, Burlington, and graduated in 1956, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. A year later she obtained her Master’s Degree in Educational Administration, from Columbia Teachers College, in New York, New York. A lifelong learner, Lila was proudly committed to furthering her education without boundaries. She continued to read every book that spoke to her, study what moved her, and attend classes and lectures on a multitude of topics throughout her lifetime. From 1956 to 1961 Lila held teaching positions for grades two, three, and four in Stratford, Connecticut; Essex Junction, Vermont; Waverly, New York; and Cleveland, Ohio.

While attending the University of Vermont, Lila met Glenn Marvin Seager and knew quickly she had found her person for life. Lila and Glenn were married on August 24, 1957. They had three children, all boys. Their first, Glenn Mark Seager, was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1961. In February of 1965, Scott Arthur Seager was born in New York, New York. And 1969 saw the birth of their youngest, Brent Craig Seager, in Tacoma, Washington. Glenn and Lila were later thrilled to welcome their two grandchildren to the family (Scott); granddaughter, Annika in 1998, and grandson, Cole in 2000. Lila finally got her girl. In the past year she had the privilege of meeting her first great-grandson, (Annika) Peter Kolbe Heroux. Lila was a mother to three, a grandmother to two, a great-grandmother to one, but a true blessing to all who knew her.

When she wasn’t busy raising her three boys, Lila devoted much of her time to serving her local community. In 1987, she was elected to serve as County Supervisor for District 20 on the La Crosse County Board, a position she held until 1999. While there she was President of the Board of Health and played active roles in countless other related boards and committees.
She also devoted her efforts to organizations like the State Medical Society of Wisconsin Alliance where she held multiple offices, including President. At the First Congregational Church of La Crosse, amongst numerous other roles, Lila served as Moderator in 1987 as well as the President of the Women’s Fellowship. For the Philanthropic and Educational Organization
(PEO) she was elected President in 1988. She also served as Treasurer, Vice President, and Chaplain at PEO throughout her time with the organization. She was a board member for the Family and Children’s Center, Sunburst Youth Home, PEO, YWCA, AAUW, and Friends of the La Crosse Library.

Lila and Glenn loved having friendly faces stay at their house. They often opened their hillside home overlooking the Mississippi to friends and family but also to countless guests, politicians, and students from around the world. As a part of World Services, PEO, and La Crosse Friends of International Students at the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Lila could often be found outside enjoying kayak trips, canoeing, skiing, gardening, camping, and hiking. She loved sharing those pursuits with others, especially her family. She read countless books on her own and as part of her much-enjoyed book groups.

Lila is survived by her husband, of 67 years, Glenn Marvin Seager of La Crosse, WI; children, Glenn Mark Seager (Cristina Calva) of Minneapolis, MN, Brent Seager (Dana Bjerke) of Minneapolis, MN, Scott Seager (Kristin) of Minnetonka, MN; grandchildren, Annika Heroux (Andrew), Cole Seager (Iris Brantseg); sister, Barbara Hart Decker; nephews Karl Decker (Brenda), Reid Decker, and Sam Decker (Tiffany). She is preceded in death by her father, Arthur Hart, and mother, Amanda Hart.

A celebration of life is planned for Saturday, February 8th, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4141 Mormon Coulee Road, La Crosse, Wisconsin. Service is at 11:00 AM with visitation starting at 9:00 AM and lunch at the church after. Lila’s ashes will be interred at the military cemetery in Spooner, Wisconsin later this year.

The family would appreciate memorials going to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of La Crosse or to the organization of your choice.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting CouleeCremation.com.