Jerral Seibert, M.D. (I ’61, DERM ’64)

Dr. Jerral Sumner Seibert went to be with The Lord on October 30th, 2023, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born on November 20th, 1930 in Brookfield, IL. The eldest of four, he became the man of his house when his father, a businessman and pharmacist, passed suddenly when he was 12, and only one day after his youngest brother, Sumner, was born. Guided by the unwavering faith instilled by his mother, he became a pillar of strength for his three siblings. Jerry attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champagne, where he achieved a B.S. in liberal arts & sciences in 1952. His educational journey continued at the University of Illinois Medical School in Chicago, where he earned his M.D. in 1956.It was in the medical school library that he met the love of his life, Sigrid. Their abiding love was tested as Jerry left to pursue an internship at Highland Alameda County Hospital in Oakland, during which he wrote to Sigrid every single day. Upon Jerry’s return, the two married in 1957 in Riverside, Illinois. Jerry was the epitome of compassion. He tenderly cared for Ziggi’s mother in their Lafayette residence, overcame linguistic differences, and affectionately referred to Ziggi as “mein sweetheart.”In the fall of 1957, he began his fellowship in internal medicine at the Mayo Clinic. Nine months later, duty called, and Jerry was drafted to the Air Force as a Captain. He was assigned to Wheelus Air Force Base in Tripoli, Libya to serve three years as a doctor. Upon his return to the States, he continued his fellowship in dermatology, achieved board certifications, and returned to California in 1966.With Ziggi by his side, he opened his practice in Oakland, CA. He embraced the daily practice of medicine and passionately formed meaningful connections with his patients. Due to his extensive Mayo Clinic training and ability to identify rare cases, he was celebrated as an outstanding diagnostician. He expanded his practice to Orinda and later practiced at John Muir’s Rossmoor Clinic. Sigrid and Jerry welcomed their son, Charlie, in 1967, and their daughter, Susie, in 1969.Jerry was an exemplary father, husband, brother, doctor, and citizen; participating in numerous societies, he served as the secretary and president of the Noah Worcester Dermatology Society, was an active Rotarian, and worked as a clinical associate professor of dermatology at UCSF.As an avid hunter and fisherman, Jerry found solace and joy in exploring the world’s beauty, with a special appreciation for the landscapes of California. He often sang songs from his hunting days, and his voice resonated in every room.At his duck club, he was affectionately bestowed the title of Chaplain, recognizing the eloquence and wisdom that graced his heartfelt prayers. He loved God, attended men’s bible study weekly, and spent time in God’s word daily.Upon retirement at 85, he devoted his life to faith and spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, and friends. He treasured their company and steadfastly supported his family in all of life’s endeavors.He is survived by his beloved wife, Sigrid, of more than 66 years, their children, Charlie and Susie, grandchildren, Nicole, Jack, and Lauren, and his brother, Sumner. He was preceded by his father, Sumner, his mother, Charlotte, his brother, Charles, and his sister, Carol. Jerry will be deeply missed by all.Services will be held at 11am on December 2nd at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made in Jerry’s name to Orinda Rotary, PO Box 44, Orinda, CA 94563.