Cliff was born in the small southern Indiana town of Ferdinand on November 22, 1933 (11/22/33) to Albert and Rose Seufert. He attended the Catholic grade school there and graduated from nearby Huntingburg High School in 1951 with just four other Ferdinand classmates, several of whom he was still in contact with. His childhood cultivated a love of fishing and the outdoors. Through his teen years, he developed a strong work ethic and interest in building while working with his father and uncles in the family construction company.
Cliff attended Purdue University, where he received a bachelor’s degree from the School of Civil Engineering in 1955. He was a member of the Luma Cooperative fraternity where he developed many lasting friendships. Cliff enrolled in the Army ROTC program at Purdue and served as 1st Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers in Germany for two years after graduation. It may have been there that he learned how to craft the perfect Manhattan martini.
Cliff returned to the states and settled in Indianapolis where he worked for the Indiana Department of Highways, then moved on to a private engineering firm. At the age of 27, he and two colleagues formed their own civil engineering firm: Butler, Fairman and Seufert, Inc. (BF&S). The company has grown steadily over 60 years from 5 employees (incl. the 3 owners) to a business that now has over 200 team members. Cliff served as President from 1984-1995 and retired in 1998. His honesty, integrity and dedication helped the company to thrive which he took great pride in. Cliff and Mary Ann found great joy in continuing to support and encourage their BF&S family by attending many corporate and client events.
Cliff was involved in professional organizations such as American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana where he served in roles of Board Member, Secretary, and Treasurer from 1986-1989. Purdue University recognized his accomplishments with the Civil Engineering Alumni Achievement Award in 1994-1995. Consulting Engineers of Indiana selected him as a life member in 1997 for his significant contributions in their field. He formed bonds with many other leaders in the industry, some of whom he gathered with in recent years for a monthly ‘Engineer’s Breakfast’ at local restaurants.
Cliff met the love of his life, Mary Ann Thie, while attending a social club event at the White River Yacht Club. Their relationship grew through common interests, values and beliefs. They enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, and riding their horses (Duke & Jerry) together. They were married in the summer of 1964 and went on to raise ten amazing children. Cliff and Mary Ann focused on maintaining their love for each other throughout their lives together with date nights, evening cocktails, and honeymoon trips. They were extraordinary role models for their 10 children, 19 treasured grandchildren, and all others who knew them well.
Cliff was a devout Catholic and an active member of Christ the King Church. He attended daily communion service and was involved in several ministries including the Finance Committee, Evenings for the Engaged, Boy Scouts, and Eucharistic Ministers. He enjoyed volunteering routinely at the St. Vincent de Paul warehouse for many years. He was also a leader of the Kesslerwood Civic League, where he led a successful effort to restrict traffic and keep neighborhood kids safe.
Cliff loved Lake Michigan salmon fishing on his boat aptly named ‘Mary Ann’s Mink’ (and showing home port of Ferdinand, Indiana). He frequently distributed “free fish” to his neighbors and friends. Cliff often greeted others with a German phrase and a story, always looking to make someone’s day better. He was a humble, kind man whose charm, quick wit, and generosity added so much to the lives of others.
Cliff is preceded in death by his wife Mary Ann (Thie), parents Albert and Rose (Jacobi) Seufert, brother Donald Seufert, daughter Rosemary (Charles) Essary, and baby Mary. He is survived by his sons Joseph (Kristine) Seufert, John (Doreen Nieman) Seufert, Dan Seufert, Jim (Mindy) Seufert, David (Lynn) Seufert, Steve (Sara) Seufert, Mike Seufert, and daughters Theresa (Michael) Sispera, Kathleen (Drew) Grimes, and 19 grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at the Feeney-Hornak Keystone Mortuary on Friday, April 1 from 4:00 - 8:00 PM and a prayer service will be held there at 9:30 AM the following morning. The funeral Mass is Saturday, April 2 at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church. A Celebration of Life gathering will follow the services.
Donations may be made in honor of Cliff & Mary Ann Seufert to:
Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 3001 E. 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218
Our Lady of Fatima Retreat House, 5353 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226
St. Meinrad Archabbey, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577
Christ the King School Scholarship Endowment Fund, 5884 N. Crittenden Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46220
