Donald J. Seelye

Publication

SEELYE, Mr. Donald “J” “Dealer Don” Kalamazoo, MI

Died Wednesday morning, December 10, 1997 at his home. Mr. Seelye was born October 2, 1925 in Jones, MI, the son of John W. and Bertha (Raifsnider) Seelye, and was a life resident of this area. He was a graduate of the University High School, had served with the United States Marine Corps in World War II, and had received the Purple Heart for action in Iwo Jima. He founded the Don Seelye Ford Agency on November 21, 1963, where he was serving as Chairman of the Board, retiring in 1990. He was also the founder of the Seelye Automotive Group. He was a member of the Kalamazoo Country Club, a board member and past President of the Ford Dealer Advertising Fund, Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. # 50. A Founding Member of the Fun River Skeet and Trap Club, Ducks Unlimited, and had served as a board member for Comerica Bank. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother John. On July 3, 1948 he was united in marriage to Jane Ann Nelson, who survives. Also surviving are two sons and their spouses, Michael and Sharon Seelye of Portage, Patrick and Debbie Seelye of Mattawan, five grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, and Mauri Seelye, Shannon and Kelly Seelye; an adopted son and his wife, Eric and Theresa Kausrud and their children of Mattawan; one brother, one sister and spouses, Andrew and Theresa Seelye of Marcellus, Betty and John McClintic of Florida, and several nieces and nephews. Services for Mr. Seelye will be held Saturday afternoon will be held Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. from the First United Methodist Church, 212 S. Park St., with Reverend Dr. Gilbert Edwin Smith officiating. Private family interment at Mt. Ever-Rest Cemetery. Military honors by the Comstock VFW Post #6252 Honor Guard. Friends may meet the family at Langeland Family Funeral Homes Memorial Chapel 622 S. Burdick St. Friday from 4 -7 p.m. The family requests donations be made to the Western Michigan University Foundation.

Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette, December 11, 1997