Norbert was born in Jefferson Parrish, Louisiana, on 3 June 1936, to George Joseph Seeling and Elvira Violet Niemann. Norbert attended school in Kenner, Louisiana, graduating from Kenner High School in 1954, where he played varsity football. He enlisted in the United States Navy prior to graduation, on 23 February 1954, commencing his active duty service on 27 October 1954.
Norbert and the late Jacqueline Brumfield Seeling were married on 18 February 1956, and they had four children: Dale Terrence (Dee), Marcia Darlene (Ronald) Dunn, Darryl Gance (Lori), and Trina Danielle (Bill) Hackensmith.
Norbert mustered out of the Navy on 5 July 1974, having achieved the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer. While in the Navy, Norbert served on the USS Amberjack (1957), the USS Tullibee (1960), the USS George Washington Carver (Blue) in 1969, and the USS George Washington Carver (Gold) in 1973. He was stationed at the USN Submarine Base, New London, Connecticut, for most of his career. He received many citations and honors while serving his country including: the National Defense Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the US Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the US Navy Achievement Award. Since so much of Norbert’s service was on nuclear submarines, not a lot is known about his service and areas of deployment. He referred to his years on submarines as the “Naval Secret Service.” He also enjoyed his forty-seven-year association with the American Legion.
After he left Naval service, he relocated with his family to Lynchburg, VA. He took a job with the Framatone division of Babcock & Wilcox, an energy producer, including nuclear energy, mostly active on the East Coast, where he spent 20 years as a nuclear energy plant technician, retiring in 1994. While working for B&W, he received the following awards and citations: Letter of Commendation from Florida Power Corp, and a Certificate of Appreciation from Heritage High School’s Cooperative Office of Education for his guidance, encouragement, and practical on-the-job training for its students.
Norbert loved his Sunday afternoon NASCAR races, as well as the Dallas Cowboys. He and Jackie travelled a lot to visit family in Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Utah, as well as their favorite camping sites in Rhode Island and Virginia. He and Jackie also loved spending time with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. But more than anything, Norbert loved his wife Jackie. Theirs was a love for all ages.
He is survived by his four children and their spouses, and their numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his brother Melvin Seeling (Betty) and their sons, and his cousin Nettie Seeling Sherwin (Bob).
He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Elvira Seeling, his beloved Jackie, his brother, Milton O. Seeling, and his grandson Jonathan Charles Dunn.
Norbert’s family would like to extend their grateful thanks for the kind and caring service performed by the doctors, nurses, and staff at Runk & Pratt Assisted Living on Leesville Road, as well as the compassionate and excellent staff of Seven Hills Hospice.
Dad, we are all so proud of you and your service to your country and others. We are grateful that you and mom have been reunited and can continue your great love story for eternity. Thanks for your service, Senior Chief!
A graveside service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, August 23, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. at the Garden of Honor, Fort Hill Memorial Park where he will be interred following the service.
