Joseph Seiler

Joseph (Joe) Seiler passed away on December 16, 2016 at the age of 93.  He was born on February 28, 1923 in South Haven, MI and remained a life-long resident of the city he loved.  Joe was employed as a Ship Joiner for Robinson Marine Construction Co. right out of high school.  He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps and spent one year at Kent State University as part of his preparatory training.  He was then stationed in both Texas and Oklahoma where he earned his Officer-Pilot status and, in turn, trained others for combat flying.  Joe proudly served his country from 1942 - 1945.

Upon discharge, Joe returned to work for the boat yard before beginning work for Everett Piano Company from 1947-1953.  He was in charge of the Cabinet Making and Repair Department.  In 1953, he began his scale model-making business.  Seiler Models would be responsible for producing hundreds of models that were commissioned by architects from various parts of the world.  After “retiring” from the model business, Joe managed Woodland Harbor Marina for nine years.

The city of South Haven meant a great deal to Joe.  He served on the Planning Commission for eighteen years (was Chairman for six).  He also served on the Redevelopment Committee, the Zoning Board, the City Hall Building Committee, the Airport Authority Study, Central Business District, Intergovernmental Relations and the Housing Commission.  Joe also contributed to the Zoning Board Appeals Board and the Liberty Hyde Bailey Museum Board.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Alice.  Parents Jacob and Katie and siblings Joseph, Helen, Betty, Theresa, Ann and Jack went before him.  Joe is survived by his children Mark (Suzy) Seiler of Douglas, MI and Joanie (Tom) Mills of Williamston, MI.

Joe was a master wood worker and gardener.  His roses were beautiful and his tomatoes plentiful.  Numerous pieces of his handmade furniture reside in homes today as a reminder of his giftedness.  Joe and Alice had many good friends and neighbors from both Cherry Street and Sunset Drive.  With some, they traveled to Europe, Costa Rica and other spots within the US.  Joe was “pranking” others before pranking ever became popular.  His favorite time of year was Halloween (Trick or Treating).  Please consider this a written apology for his many post-curfew attempts at scaring his neighbors.  Besides playing jarts and keeping a manicured lawn, Joe’s favorite pastime was talking!

We will miss our Dad (neighbor, friend, uncle, “grandpa”, and resident of #2) but are grateful for the many years we shared with him.  He has been our very own representative of The Greatest Generation.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Hope Reformed Church in South Haven. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make memorial donations in Joe’s name may direct them to Hope Reformed Church of South Haven.