Couple Retires/ Rehires after Faithfully Serving Community
by Sheila Baltzell, 10-28-2017

 
Above: Jerry, Connie and Charlie

Jerry Sell, M.D., and his wife, Connie (Beougher) Sell have recently embarked on a new path in their retirement, one of the half time variety. Although they are busy doing new things, Dr. Sell is keeping his hands in the profession that he has loved for 40 years. His last day working full time was at the end of August 2017. His current schedule includes various medical procedures and surgeries at Van Wert County Hospital as well as pitching in to help wherever he is needed. He generally works one week on and one week off at the office in Rockford to see his surgical patients and assists the newest doctor in town, Norman Means, M.D. Dr. Sell continues to locate and attract new doctors to the area.

After running the Family Medicine office for 30 years while raising a family Connie is finding it difficult to stay completely retired. She has gone on to helping her son, Jonathan, start a Biggby Coffee franchise in St. Marys, OH. She does this by continuing her knack for bookwork from home for the one year old business. Connie also continues to help with the family farm after the death of her father, Charlie Beougher, in 2004. Today she helps when brother Gary Beougher needs her.

When the Sells looked toward their retirement, they knew that travel would be in the picture. So far, they have enjoyed several overseas trips with their friends, Patty and Bud Schoenleben. These trips have included visits to Italy, the Holy Land, and Egypt. In Italy, their cruise took them from Venice to Croatia, then to Sicily and Rome. In the Holy Land, they visited all of the Holy sites including; Jerusalem, the temple, Galilee, the Dead Sea, Golan Heights, Israel, Egypt, and the Jordan river- where Connie was baptized. In Egypt they visited Cairo, the Museum of Antiquities, and the pyramids. The goal of their trips will now involve learning from the Road Scholar Program. Link Here. Some trips they have already had the pleasure to experience have been Bryce Canyon, Zion National Park, and the Grand Canyon. The Sells were led by an 85-year old geology professor who shared his knowledge of Earth with them.
They soon hope to enjoy the Road Scholar trip they are currently planning to Ireland, in celebration of their 2016, 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Traveling for them will not stop at enjoyment and enlightenment trips though, they intend to participate in medical and general mission trips. The Sells wish to participate in at least one mission trip per year. The most recent trip was a group led by Nathan Boggs, from New Horizons Community Church to Big Laurel Missions, KY. This trip served the less fortunate in our country. Jerry and Connie along with son, Jonathan, and other New Horizons members spent several days helping to complete homes for the area residents. Dr. Sell has done three mission trips to Honduras, accompanied on one by Connie. He has also done a medical mission trip to Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Dr. Sell is considering a return trip to Haiti (possibly to help Carrie Stoller, CNP) as well las a return trip to Sierra Leone, Africa. His previous Sierra Leone trip was with Dr. Ron Baker through the United Brethren Church missions. Connie is also considering a trip to Haiti. Click Here to read about the trip to Sierra Leone.

Looking back at their lives, becoming a family medicine doctor has made all the difference to their family and this community, which they have served so faithfully for 40 years. Dr. Sell said, “It has always been a team effort with Connie by my side.” After graduation at Rockford High School, they married. Connie was by his side when he attended Middletown School of Nursing, during his stint in the U.S. Army, from 1967-1970, as a preventative medicine instructor. His service led to the Army Commendation Medal for acts of heroism and extraordinary or meritorious service. When the couple returned to Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Science and Microbiology degree-cum laude in 1970; medical degree-cum laude in 1976; and residency at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Dayton in 1979, for “family medicine” practice. Dr. Sell completed in full-range and surgical obstetrics. Click Here to read about an additional article on Dr. Sell as the Rockford Chamber Person of the year (from several years ago).


In between all of this, the Sells love bird watching together on their back porch, their favorite place to hang out. They also have fun with their two children, Jonathan, Jenny, their spouses, and their six grandchildren at Dale Hollow Lake. Following their grandchildren’s adventures be it at college, in School at Parkway, science fairs, or on the ball field, is their greatest enjoyment. You also might find them making coffee at Biggby, St Mary’s on special days.


Locally the Sells look forward to the Rockford Bicentennial celebration coming up. Dr. Sell is active on the Rockford Area Development Corporation in Rockford as well as the Governance Board at New Horizons Community Church.

So, retirement? Not exactly, but close enough.

 
 
 
 
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