February 18th may have been bitter cold but it didn’t freeze the spirit of 88-year-old Robert Seeley. A resident of Goodhue Living for the past two years, Robert was honored with a Dare to Dream event that included seeing his son, a meal at his favorite restaurant and a television interview. The plan originally included barbershop quartet entertainment but the group cancelled due to the cold.
The weather may not have cooperated but it did not keep Robert’s wife, Martha from her daily visit and it worked into their son, Doug’s schedule. Doug, a pilot who lives in Tampa Bay, Florida had a layover in Minneapolis that allowed time for the visit. Goodhue Living’s Life Enrichment Director, Susie Matthees set up the event and accompanied the family to the Olive Garden restaurant in Rochester.
McDonald’s Shamrock shake is a favorite of Robert’s but he declined one after enjoying the lasagna dinner. Martha promised to treat him to that on another day saying, “He likes to get out”.
For about 55 years, Robert’s regular outings revolved around singing, rarely missing a Monday night practice with the Rochester Music Men male chorus. Robert sang bass in the 4-part harmony group that put on concerts and performed on the KTTC Eagles Cancer Telethon. Robert’s favorite event was their annual show at the Mayo Civic Center. He was once honored to host the show; acting as the MC he enjoyed wearing a suede tuxedo jacket and telling jokes.
Seeley’s sense of humor still shines through. He showed a bit of a smirk and twinkle in his eye when teased about Martha being 10 years younger than himself. The couple married in 1967 following Robert’s graduation from the University of Georgia where he earned a Master’s degree in food technology. Originally from New York, a job at Maple Island in Wanamingo prompted the move to Minnesota. Robert was the director of quality control at the plant for 30 years. Martha worked at St. Mary’s Hospital and Mayo Clinic in Rochester and continues to live in their home in Zumbrota.
The Seeley’s raised four children, tragically losing a daughter 20 years ago. The couple has four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. With Doug and his siblings all living out of state, they appreciate the staff at Goodhue Living. He said it is great that they “highlight residents and do something special for them”. Martha agreed saying, “It’s wonderful for them to appreciate him. Susie’s fantastic”.
“The Dare to Dream program is a really big deal here. We’re really glad to provide something that brings our residents joy.” Matthees shared this sentiment during an interview with KTTC television personality, Matt Rineer. Rineer first met with Matthees and the Seeley family while they were at the Olive Garden and later set up his recording equipment in the public gathering area of Goodhue Living.
Rineer questioned the Seeleys, Matthees, and Executive Director, Missy Shaleen about the Dare to Dream program and how Robert’s special day came about. Dare to Dream events are held at Goodhue Living and other Jaybird owned properties. Shaleen explained how the events are created “specifically for their interests, for their memories—to create a special moment and adventure for them”.
The staff takes the time to learn about the lives of the residents in their community. Some of the things that stand out for Robert are memories of playing baseball with Doug and continuing to be a fan of the Minnesota Twins, Milwaukee Brewers and the Georgia Bulldogs. He played the piano and participated in his church choir in addition to the Rochester male chorus.
Matthees considers this history and works with family to design a memorable day, which for Robert was to include a barbershop quartet. Although they canceled, he still enjoyed the rest of his adventure. Rescheduling the entertainment will give him something else to enjoy in the future. He may not have gotten his full 15 minutes of fame with the edited television segment airing for just under 2 minutes, but spending the day doing things he enjoyed with part of his family will leave a lasting memory.
To view the telecast, follow this link https://www.kttc.com/.../dare-dream-program-makes.../...
or go to www.kttc.com and search “Dare to Dream”.
