James Seitzer Sr., 94
James E. Seitzer Sr., 94 of St. Peter, died Thursday, July 4, 2013, at the Benedictine Center in St. Peter.
Jim was born on March 20, 1919, in St. Peter, a son of Albert (Ole) and Regina ( W a l t e r ) Seitzer. He graduated from St. Peter High School. He married Marie on February 6, 1940. Jim served in the U.S. Navy as Pharmacy 2nd Class Petty Officer E5 in the Pacific Theatre from 1943- 45. Following his return from the war, he worked as a reliable manager for a number of local businesses, including Rheaume Hotel and Bar, Hinnenthal and Stindt Hardware, Bill’s Hardware, and finally Ace Hardware, where he retired in 1974. Jim was known for opening the store during off business hours. He will long be remembered for his unselfish and lifelong commitment to the community, his love for his family and his strong religious faith. Jim was awarded the Bishops Medal of Service for his decades of dedication and volunteer work at the St. Peter Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, VFW Post 1220 (63 years), American Legion Post 37, Last Men’s Club of WWll (past president), served on the Veterans Funeral Honor Guard for 55 years, and was secretary of the Calvary Cemetery where he was well-known for placing flags on the graves of all veterans at the cemetery for 54 years. Jim was also noted for his dedication as a volunteer within the St. Peter Fire Department, serving 35 years of continuous service, with 26 as the secretary. He referred to the local fire department as his second home and family.
He is survived by children Robert (Marianne) Seitzer, Overland Park, KS, Dennis R. (Mari) Seitzer, Destin, FL/ Savannah, GA, Kathleen (Michael) Bloom, Indianapolis, IN (previously Lake Washington, MN), James (Belinda) Seitzer Jr., Burnsville, Mary Sue (John) Simota, Montgomery, Donald (Kimberly) Seitzer, Silverthorne, CO, and Julianne M. (Donald) McNeil, Burnsville; granddaughter Tina Seitzer, Kent City, MI; 27 grandchildren; 37 greatgrandchildren; son-in-law John O’Malley, Albuquerque, NM.; daughter-in-law Rose Baumgarten, Ankeny, IA.; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and personal friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife on February 7, 2009; his parents; siblings Marion Boys and Robert; and children Patricia O’Malley and Michael P. Seitzer.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, July 10, at 11 a.m., at the Catholic Church of St. Peter.
Interment was at the Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter.
Visitation was held Wednesday from 10 to 11 a.m., at the church.
rrangements were with St. Peter Funeral Home.
