Frank R. Seidl

Frank Robert Seidl always knew that the most important aspect of his life was the love of family. A man with varied interests and talents, he was a loving provider for his family, dedicated to his work, and faithful to his church. Frank’s life was blessed, and truly enriched, with his devoted wife at his side. He was a proud father of his children, and the individuals that they had become, and found true love in the gift of grandchildren.

Frank’s story began on the plains of the Red River Valley in Fargo, North Dakota, as winter had reached its peak. It was a time of mixed blessings in our nation’s history. Prohibition was in full swing, with big city gangsters infiltrating even the smallest of communities. Families enjoyed the debut of Amos and Andy, and Popeye, and the first public demonstration of the television was held. The stock market crash cast a shadow among all, and the era of the Great Depression was just the beginning of many hardships for everyone. But Frank A. and Evelyn (Norman) Seidl had reason to celebrate, as they welcomed the birth of their second child, a son they named, Frank Robert Seidl, born on February 26, 1929.

Joining his older sister, Marlyn, as a child Frank loved to play with his toy soldiers, and enjoyed reading the Oz series of books. He also played with, and looked after, his faithful buddy, Trudy, instilling in him a lifelong love for dogs. Their mother stayed home to care for the children, while Frank’s father provided for his family working as a traveling salesman. The family moved to Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, where Frank grew up. This is where Frank, as a boy of eight, began his working career, washing airplanes all summer for a local airport for a total of $50.

Sadly, when Frank was just 13 years old, his father passed away. This was certainly a difficult time for the family, and Frank’s mother was left to raise her children alone. Even so, life for Frank was pretty typical for a young man during these times. As a teenager, he hung out with friends, and loved going to the movies, as well as to the local dances. While in school, he was involved in several sports, and enjoyed being a stagehand at school plays. He also developed his skill at hunting.

With the help of nuns, Frank completed his entire senior year in one summer in order to meet the qualification deadline for the GI bill. Like most young men of the time, he then enlisted in the US army at the age of 17. His training took him to Fort Knox, and then he was deployed to occupied Japan. While standing in line one day, with a little Brownie camera around his neck, an officer asked him if he enjoyed taking pictures. The US army needed an official photographer for the war-crimes trial of Prime Minister Tojo, and Frank ended up working with equipment worth $30,000, photo-documenting one of the most significant trials in American history.

Upon discharge from the army, Frank attended UCLA and the University of Wisconsin, where he graduated with a degree in zoology. In 1952, Frank was hired by the Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company as a sales rep in the Chicago district, and his first assignment was in southwest Illinois. Frank worked very hard in his new career, but he still found time to get his pilot’s license, ride his horse, and travel. Eventually his work led him to call upon an ophthalmologist who employed a young lady named Patricia Peskar. Although Pat and Frank would see each other over the years whenever he called upon the office, it would take a blind date in 1956 to finally get them together.

1958 was an exciting year. Frank was transferred to Los Angeles in January, returning to East St. Louis to marry Pat in April. During the next eight wonderful years in Southern California, Frank and Pat had three children – Andy, Karl, and Beth. And in 1965, Frank was transferred to Kalamazoo, where they soon added two more daughters – Mary and Lori. In 1977, Frank joined the international division of Upjohn, a position which enabled him to travel around the world and led to many long lasting friendships. This was truly the highlight of his professional career. In 1990, Frank left Upjohn International as Executive Director, marketing, and retired in 1990 as Director of Advertising for Upjohn.

The family made fond memories together over the years. During one memorable vacation, the family of seven – and the family dog, Buffy -- all traveled out west to California in a motor home and even picked up Frank’s mother in Catalina Island for the return trip. Frank and Pat raised their family in the Catholic faith, having been one of the founding members of St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, where Frank taught some of the first 9th grade catechism classes offered there. He and his family were very involved in the growth of their church home, and were quite active there.

In his free time, Frank enjoyed quite a diverse collection of hobbies. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, where he enjoyed helping with the bingo games hosted by them. He liked to go fishing, boating, playing bridge, and even learned to play the bagpipes. He was also an avid golfer, and had the patience for the intrica te details of model ship building. He continued his love for dance, and listened to folk style music, often enjoying the sounds of the Kingston Trio.

During his retirement, Frank expanded his many interests, but foremost was his family. He enjoyed spending time with them to the fullest. He was very proud of his children and adored his grandchildren. Throughout the years, he and Pat wintered for two months each year in Bonita Springs, Florida, often having their children to visit.

Frank began having a few health problems about two years ago, and his health continued to fail. Sadly, at the age of 79, Frank died peacefully, with his devoted wife Pat, and his loving daughter Beth at his side, on Friday, January 2, 2009.

When a man can say that the most important aspect of his life was the love of family, he has been richly blessed. Frank Robert Seidl had been a world traveler, with varied interests and talents. His dedication and love for his family enriched his life to the fullest. A loving provider for his family, Frank was dedicated to his work and faithful to his church. He leaves behind a devoted wife, loving children, beloved grandchildren, and caring friends. He will be truly missed, and lovingly remembered.

Frank is survived by his wife, Patricia; his children, F. Andy (Carol) Seidl, Karl Seidl, Beth (Jim) Teachout, Mary (John) Wittenberg, and Lori (Dennis) McCarthy; his grandchildren, Jenna and Jordan Teachout, F. Mitchell and Patti Wittenberg, Frankie, Rita and Rose Seidl, Kennedy and Griffin McCarthy, and a large extended family. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Marlyn Koehler.

Visit with his family and friends, view his life story film, and share light refreshmen ts on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary being said at 6:30 PM at Life Story Funeral Home - Portage, 5975 Lovers Lane (344-5600). The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, January 7, 11:00 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 1150 W. Centre with a visitation time from 10:00 to 11:00 AM. Please visit Frank’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can submit a favorite memory or photo, sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home, or make a memorial donation to The Right to Life of Kalamazoo or St. Catherine’s Knights of Columbus.