Jack Seeman

John “Jack” Seeman, age 94 of Willmar,  passed away Monday morning, December 28, at his daughters residence in Willmar.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 2, at the Church of St. Mary in Willmar.  Interment  will be in the church cemetery with military honors provided by the Willmar American Legion Post #167.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  COVID-19 precautions will be enforced.  Arrangements are with Peterson Brothers Funeral Home.  www.petersonbrothers.com

John “Jack” Seeman was born on March 13, 1926, in Rockham, South Dakota, the son of Earl and Mary (Joyce) Seeman.  He graduated from Miller High School in May of 1944 when he was drafted for service in the United States Army.  Rising to the ranks of Master Sergeant, John served during WWII in France and Germany where he earned the Bronze Star Medal at the Battle of the Bulge in addition to the Combat Infantry Badge, Army of Occupation Medal, European-African Middle Eastern Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, the Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal as “testimonial of his honest and faithful service to this country.”  As an acknowledgement of the Greatest Generation, John was celebrated on the 2015 Honor Flight to visit memorials in Washington DC dedicated in their honor.

Upon discharge in 1947 from the 75th Infantry Division, John worked for the USDA Soil Conservation Service in Miller, South Dakota, for seventeen years where he met and married the love of his life and eventually moved his growing family to Willmar, Minnesota, establishing his own small business, Seeman Oil Company.  John literally and figuratively warmed the homes and hearts of many for over 41 years while raising his four children, adoring each new grandchild, and cultivating lifelong friendships filled with bridge, golf, parties, vacations, and immeasurable love and happiness.

A man of honor to both country and family, John was married to and survived by Mary (Schneider) Seeman for over 64 years, their four children: Laure (and Jack) Swanson of Willmar, Jim (and Julie) Seeman of Buffalo, WY., Tim (and Stacy) Seeman of St. Cloud, Barb (and Dan) Ouimet of Spring Green, WI.; two sisters: Joyce Stoddard of De Smet, SD, Kathleen Biever of Iroquois, SD, and seven grandchildren: Amy (and John), Sam, Jacob, Zach, Jennifer (and Max), Aaron, Maddie, and “adopted” grandsons Ingrit and Donart.

He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers: Robert, Milford, Jimmy and Jerry.