Robert Maynard Sebion, age 86, of Gilman Township, Wis., died Sept. 7, 2026 at his residence.
Robert was born June 16, 1940, in Gilman Township, Wis., the son of Maynard and Bernice (Olson) Sebion. He attended Lone Balsam Grade School and graduated from Spring Valley High School. He continued his education at UW-River Falls and Dakota County Technical College, studying business management.
Robert married Dorothy Ivanelle Martell on Oct. 22, 1960, at Woodside Lutheran Church in Baldwin. Together, they made their home and raised their family in Spring Valley while Robert spent much of his life farming and pursuing his entrepreneurial interests.
From an early age, Robert learned the importance of hard work from his father. He learned that a workday often started before sunrise and lasted well after sunset. That work ethic would remain with him throughout his life. Robert also had a gifted understanding of how things worked. His inquisitive mind was always thinking about how something could be built, improved, or created. That curiosity led him into metal stamping and eventually to starting his own company. What began with the simple challenge of figuring out how to make something grew into a successful business.
Outside of work, there was usually more work. His family called him the “Iron Man” because his motor never seemed to stop, even when everyone around him was exhausted. Once Robert made up his mind about something, he was a man on a mission.
One passion that could pull him away from work was old cars. Robert loved his Model A Fords, including a 1930 Roadster, a 1930 Coupe, and his beloved 1931 Model A truck. Fittingly, that truck will have one more important job as it carries Robert’s casket to his final resting place. He enjoyed the friendships he made through car swaps and especially looked forward to the Iola Car Show.
In his younger years, Robert could hold his own on horseback. He also enjoyed water skiing on Crystal Lake in Burnsville. Later, restoring tractors became another favorite pastime. In some ways, Robert never really stopped playing with Tonka toys. His toys just kept getting bigger.
Robert is survived by his children Jim (Teri) Sebion, Dave (Debbie Couch) Sebion, and Jane (Mark) Hamlin; grandchildren Cody (Christa) Sebion, Cory (Dani) Sebion, Jake (Hanna) Sebion, Marie (Lukas) Smith, and Indi Hamlin; great-grandchildren Kaylee, Owen, Karli, Ruby, Olivia, Henry, and Eleanor; partner Sally Walker; siblings Lynn (Carol) Sebion, John (Robyn) Sebion, Sonia Wilcox, and Karen Sebion; as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service for Robert Sebion was held at 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at Gilman Lutheran Church in Spring Valley. Visitation was held from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10, at O’Connell Keehr Funeral Home in Spring Valley, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial was in the church cemetery. Casketbearers were Cody Sebion, Cory Sebion, Jake Sebion, Jane Hamlin, Lukas Smith, and Marie Smith. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Spring Valley.
