David Seemann Obituary

David W. Seemann

David William Seemann, 83, of Deshler, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, at Vancrest of Holgate.

He was born June 24, 1939, in Deshler, to the late Ernest and Edna (Scheele) Seemann. He married another Deshler native, Janice "Jan" (Rettig) Seemann on Oct. 19, 1963, Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church. They were married for over 57 years until Jan preceded him in death Sept. 30, 2021.

Dave was a 1957 graduate of Deshler High School. During high school, Dave worked part-time for Leroy Schwiebert Manufacturing where they made church pews and lots of woodworking. He also worked for Dow Chemical in Findlay, Norden Decorating in Deshler, and Christman Bros. Builders in Deshler.

Dave was also a basketball player and excelled in baseball. While a junior in high school, he attended a tryout camp for Cleveland Indians and during his senior year, he signed a contract. His high school coach, Garrold Parrett, influenced him and several of his teammates to consider enlisting in U.S. Navy. So Dave had to make decisions about baseball and serving his country. Dave began playing minor league baseball for two seasons and would get one step from the major leagues. His first two seasons were played in Batavia, New York (Record 7-11, 17-11). Dave then took his former coach's advice and enlisted in U.S. Navy and served his country from 1958-1960. After serving, he returned to play baseball in Selma, Alabama (17-3), Burlington, North Carolina (7-0), and Charleston, West Virginia (0-2, 2-2). He saw a lot of the country during his playing days and played with famous ball players like Luis Tiant, Tommy John, and Tommie Agee.

In 1963, Dave quit playing baseball to return home to take a job opening at Deshler Farmers Elevator (Custar-McClure). He began as a laborer under the supervision of Donald Smith and in 1970, he became general manager and kept that job until his retirement in 2001.

Now that Dave was settled back home in Deshler, alongside his devoted wife, Jan, they raised a family that created lots of fun and precious memories. Together, they never missed a sporting event for their children and grandchildren. Birthday parties, graduations, and weddings were always a priority. They took several trips out of state to visit loved ones and enjoy vacations with others. Dave and Jan's friends and neighbors were also very important. They enjoyed lots of polkas, planned numerous parties, and organized many events for the benefit of their community. Summers at Devil's Lake, adventures to Las Vegas and get-togethers in their backyard will be remembered by the many people they called family and friends.

For over 45 years, Dave was the superintendent of Deshler Veterans Memorial Field. In 1993, he oversaw the renovations of the original ball field to be transformed into two fields. He was in charge of the seasonal care of the fields, grounds, and scheduling of all games. He further helped organize softball leagues for both the community and the churches. He made sure his own Deshler Farmers Elevator team, "The Cornhuskers," participated and led them to a national championship. His wife, Jan, was a constant companion, making sure the concession stand was stocked and ready for all the events. He finally retired in 2019 after 45 years.

He was a member of Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Deshler, where he served as Treasurer for over 22 years and as secretary. He was a member of Affinity Mutual Insurance Company Board of Directors, Deshler Chamber of Commerce, Deshler American Legion Post #316, and a founding member of the Bavarian Club.

Dave also had a musical side to him as well. Along with his good friend, Wally Amspoker, they would play together at gatherings and community functions. They played Dixieland Music on their keyboards and sometimes an accordion.

He is survived by three sons, Kevin (Kristine) Seemann, Kirk (Carla) Seemann, and Kent (Jill) Seemann; seven grandchildren, Samantha (Matt) Sherman, Kolby (Libby) Seemann, Kyler Seemann, Cameron Seemann, Carson Seemann, Gage Seemann, and Kya Seemann; three great-grandchildren, Levi, Emmett, and Beckett; one great-grandson on the way; brother, Paul (Terry) Seemann; sister, Margaret (Steve) Snavely; sister-in-law, Joan (Mike) Meyer; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Steadman) Sugg, Christian (Christen) Snavely, Sara Snavely, Tyler (Cathy) Meyer, Trent (Courtney) Meyer, Taylor (Brian) Yarnell, and Tori (Mike) Herzog; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Dave's funeral will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at Peace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Deshler, with the Rev. Kurtis Freimuth officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow and then burial will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, Deshler. Services will be live-streamed on www.facebook.com/peacedeshler.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2023, at Feehan-Rodenberger Funeral Home, Deshler, and 10-11 a.m. Tuesday at the church.

The family suggests memorials to Peace Lutheran Church or charity of the donor's choice.

Messages and memories can be left at www.feehanrodenbergerfuneralhome.com.