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Donald N. Seyfried October 23, 1920 - March 14, 2021

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DONALD NEIL SEYFRIED, age 100

Of New Bremen, died on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 8:15 P.M. at the Ohio Hospice of Miami County, in Troy, Ohio after suffering a stroke. He was born on October 23, 1920 in Lansing, Michigan, the son of the late Albert John and Sara Alice (Hill) Seyfried. On September 4, 1948, he married Margaret L. “Pat” Rau, and he remained a devoted husband over these 72 years. He was a loving father to his three daughters: Susan (David) Popwell of Decatur, GA, Diane (Robert) Strawn of Lakeside Park, KY, and MaryAnn (Glenn) Seyfried-Clemmons of Ashburn, VA. He was grandfather to Dr. Jeffrey (Lara) Strawn, Jeremy (Nicole Romstadt) Clemmons, Mallory Clemmons, Courtney Clemmons, and great-grandfather to twins Rachel and Elliott Strawn. He was fondly known as U.D. to his countless nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister Ruth D. Stewart.

Don was a 1938 graduate of Eastern Lansing High School and in 1948 graduated from Michigan State University College of Engineering. He had served in the United States Navy as a Water Tender 3rd Class during World War II from 1944 until 1946 aboard a water tender repair ship. In 1951, Don and Margaret made their home in New Bremen where they raised their three daughters. Don had served as the Assistant Chief Engineer for the Minster Machine Company and retired from there in 1982. During his time at Minster Machine, he became a member of their 25 year club, and also held several patents for his designs. He was an active member of the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen as a lector and usher. He was a member of the New Bremen American Legion Post 241. Don will be remembered as an accomplished golfer. He had served as a high school girls assistant coach and had been a mentor to many students over the years. He had been a member of the Arrowhead Golf Association, and loved to share his passion for the game with everyone.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, with Rev. Fr. Thomas Dorn and Deacon Greg Bornhorst officiating. The Mass will also be live-streamed on church’s YouTube and Facebook pages (www.hrcatholic.org). Inurnment will take place at a later date in the St. Joseph the Worker Cemetery in Beal City, Michigan. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and also at the church one hour prior to the Mass on Friday morning. The family requests that memorial contributions can be made towards a girls golf scholarship that will be established through Minster Education Foundation, the Church of the Holy Redeemer (120 S. Eastmoor Drive, New Bremen, Ohio 45869) or the Ohio Hospice of Miami County (P.O. Box 502, Troy, Ohio 45373).

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at 10:30 A.M. at the Church of the Holy Redeemer in New Bremen, with Rev. Fr. Thomas Dorn and Deacon Greg Bornhorst officiating. The Mass will also be live-streamed on church’s YouTube and Facebook pages (www.hrcatholic.org). Inurnment will take place at a later date in the St. Joseph the Worker Cemetery in Beal City, Michigan. Calling hours will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at the Gilberg-Hartwig Funeral Home in New Bremen, and also at the church one hour prior to the Mass on Friday morning. The family requests that memorial contributions can be made to the Church of the Holy Redeemer (120 S. Eastmoor Drive, New Bremen, Ohio 45869) or the Ohio Hospice of Miami County (P.O. Box 502, Troy, Ohio 45373).

Condolences(14)

  1. REPLY
    Debbie Ahrns says
    March 15, 2021 at 2:17 pm

    “None better” then this amazing man who loved life, teaching golf and a good joke.
    Sorry Tiger …NONE BETTER belongs to him my dearest friend for 22 plus years.
    Golfers will know…that the phrase “None better “ and anyone who met Coach Don or was fortunate enough to receive his Coaching will know why that phrase describes Don!

  2. REPLY
    Alice Hartwig says
    March 15, 2021 at 5:11 pm

    Margaret and family, My sincere and deepest sympathy to you. Don lived a full life and was always so active. You have so many wonderful memories of him to keep in your hearts. Hugs and Prayers

  3. REPLY
    Connie & Bill says
    March 15, 2021 at 7:53 pm

    Uncle Don, I’m so glad we got to visit with you and Pat last July. We love you both, and the girls, too. Please say Hi to Dad and Mother for me and tell them we love them, too.

  4. REPLY
    Norman Barhorst says
    March 16, 2021 at 7:50 pm

    One of finest and nicest people on earth. God bless you Don!! Our deepest sympathies to Margaret and and the family!

  5. REPLY
    Roger and Cheryl Barlage says
    March 16, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Margaret and family- sending our sympathy and prayers.

  6. REPLY
    Liz Eiting says
    March 17, 2021 at 1:29 am

    Margaret, sending you my deepest and most heartfelt sympathy. Don was such an example of the best of humanity. He taught me how to play golf at the young age of 10! My parents loved him deeply and will miss his dear friendship, unending optimism and zest for life. I hope you are surrounded by the love of your family.

  7. REPLY
    Nancy (Purpus) Jay says
    March 17, 2021 at 8:17 am

    Margaret, I know Don and my father Ted Purpus worked together for many years at Minster Machine. I remember you both from my childhood. Don spent so much time with the youth of this area and had such a positive impact. Please accept my sympathies to you, your daughters, and your family.

  8. REPLY
    Sheila Story says
    March 17, 2021 at 9:31 am

    Margaret and family,
    Sending love and prayers to all of you.
    What a wonderful man!

  9. REPLY
    Jack & Barbara Rau says
    March 17, 2021 at 10:49 am

    Dear Aunt Pat, Susan & David, Diane & Robert, Glenn & Mary Ann & family,

    Uncle Don was an amazing husband, daddy, grandpa, uncle, coach & friend. His legacy will live on in all of you, as well as the many people who loved him. Uncle Don always had a infectious smile and wonderful stories to tell. He will be dearly missed by all of us. We are sending our love, prayers and deepest sympathy. We so wish we could be there with you on Friday. May our Blessed Mother comfort you and give you peace of heart.

    Much love,
    Jack & Barbara

  10. REPLY
    Lois and Tim McKibans says
    March 17, 2021 at 6:11 pm

    Our sympathy and prayers for you Margaret and family in the passing of Don. What a beautiful, long life! Phil and Dorothy valued his friendship. May he Rest In Peace.

  11. REPLY
    Dean and Kate Hartwig says
    March 18, 2021 at 6:44 pm

    Our deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him!

    • REPLY
      Luke Ruane says
      March 18, 2021 at 7:17 pm

      Don will be missed by many. He was always such a friendly, funny, and genuine person. He and Margaret were great friends of my grandparents, Bob and Betty Jordan, and I always enjoyed seeing and talking to the Seyfrieds over celebratory dinners throughout the years.

  12. REPLY
    Deb Schrolucke says
    March 22, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    To Margaret and Family, Gary and I are so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. What a wonderful life well lived! I will always remember our trip (Diane and I) south to Mississippi, New Orleans, and Alabama with Don and Margaret trying to keep us in tow! Fun times.

  13. REPLY
    Marilyn Mackey says
    March 26, 2021 at 10:19 am

    I was honored to select WWII books for Don. He was quite the historian, reading his way through many a many a scholarly tome until golfing season arrived at which time,
    literary pursuits took a back seat!
    Don was so well read, particularly concerning the Pacific theatre, that he could have penned to his own contribution to the topic.
    A gentleman, an academician and a wit- it was a privilege to have known him.
    My sincere condolences to his family.
    .

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