We will send an invite after you submit!
In memory of
Sei-Jong Chung
July 14, 1943 - July 11, 2019
Jul 14, 1943 - Jul 11, 2019
-
-
-
In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Lung Association.
Photo
Sei-Jong's obituary
Born July 14, 1943 in Damyang County, Jeollanam-do province, South Korea, he was the sixth of eight children and displayed an exceptionally inquisitive and academic mind from the very beginning. It was this intelligence, coupled with his perseverance and humility, which enabled Sei-Jong to escape South Korea’s post-war poverty and embark on a new life in the United States in 1963. As a young immigrant and college student at Warren Wilson College and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Sei-Jong performed many odd jobs, including shoveling coal into furnaces, so that others could enjoy comfortable rooms and hot water. While working to earn his advanced college degrees, he also made it a priority to tutor other students and mentor Korean immigrants.
After earning his Ph.D. in Operations Research at the University of Iowa, Sei-Jong became a professor of mathematics and computer science at St. Ambrose University, where he established the school’s Computer Science Department and became its inaugural chairman. Subsequently, he taught at Northern Illinois University, where he also published research papers related to network protocols and architecture. His intellect and dry sense of humor as an educator endeared him to students and colleagues alike. His tough love and the numerous sacrifices he made as a father armed his children with the tools necessary to thrive in an ever evolving world. And his compassion, honesty and discretion lay the foundation for many deep and meaningful friendships.
Sei-Jong was a proud U.S. citizen, a life-long student of political history, an avid golfer, an entertaining storyteller, and an ardent karaoke singer. Above all, he loved spending time with his grandchildren.
As he waged a short, but courageous battle against lung cancer, he discovered a peace and joy with his family and friends he had never previously known. During his final months, he shared with loved ones fond memories of the life he lived so purposefully, the people who made his journey worthwhile, and the many lessons he learned along the way. He remains an inspiration to his family, friends and former students, and his intellect, quick wit and generosity will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Sei-Jong is survived by his wife of 51 years, Jung-Yoon Chung; daughters Caroline (William) Chung-Wipff and JoAnne (Krishna) Vedati; son John (Anne) Chung of Rancho Santa Margarita, CA; grandchildren Josephine Wipff, Ava Wipff, Abhinav Vedati, Vara Vedati, and Jaelyn Chung; sisters Ha-Ock (Jae-Ock) Hong and Kyung-Ock Chung; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. Sei-Jong was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, and four older brothers.
A funeral service was held on Sunday, July 14, 2019 at Sammul Presbyterian Church in Lawrenceville, GA, officiated by Rev. Jong-Hyup Hahm. A private memorial service will be held in Mesa, AZ on September 14, 2019.
Send to someone
Share this obituary with others
Want to stay updated?
Get notified when new photos, stories and other important updates are shared.
In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Lung Association.
Memories & condolences
Condolence from a University of Iowa, College of Engineering student from the 1970's. I took Probability & Statistics f…
Condolence from a University of Iowa, College of Engineering student from the 1970's. I took Probab…
Condolence from a University of Iowa, College of Engineering stu…
In lieu of flowers
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to American Lung Association.
Share this memorial website
How you can help
Share with others
Donate in memory
Created with love by
JoAnne Chung.
