Obituary for Glen Seeliger

Glen Ephraim Seeliger

June 5, 1935 – December 25, 2020

Glen Ephraim Seeliger, age 85, resident of Perry, Oklahoma, joined his Savior on December 25, 2020. Trout Funeral Home of Perry, has been entrusted with his care. He was born on June 5, 1935 to Adolph and Adeline (Emde) Seeliger in Orlando, Oklahoma. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church in Orlando. He graduated from Orlando High School in 1953 where he was a star basketball player, leading his team to win the District Championship.

He met the love of his life, Margaret Tappe, at a Mission Festival at the Christ Lutheran Church in Perry, Oklahoma. They were married on November 14, 1953 and celebrated 67 years of marriage together.

After graduating high school, Glen joined the National Guard. He also worked for the Cooper Motor Company, in the oilfield, as a deliveryman for Rainbow Bread, and for the Prudential Insurance Company. He then began a 29-year career with The Charles Machine Works, where he worked as a salesman and an underground boring product specialist, testing equipment and training salespeople around the world. He traveled extensively for the company. He was especially honored to receive the prestigious Lowell Highfill Award presented each year to the Salesperson of the Year in 1994. His younger co-workers called him ‘Dad’ and everyone else called him ‘Smiley,’ for his smile was a constant, contagious feature.

His faith was especially important to him and he freely shared it with family and friends, setting a paramount example of discipleship. He served many years as an Elder at the Christ Lutheran Church in Perry, where he also taught Sunday School and was a member of the Men’s Club. He was a long-time member and supporter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and belonged to the Noble County Cattlemen’s Association. He was also an avid supporter of the Perry 4-H and FFA clubs. He and Margaret were named the 1992 Perry Junior Livestock Show Honorees.

Upon his retirement, he and Margaret traveled extensively abroad. They also farmed and ranched together for many years. He was a patient mentor and teacher; all his children and grandchildren recall fond memories of helping with harvest and hay hauling seasons. He and Margaret took numerous RV trips with dear friends. He loved fishing and often shared his bounty of fried fish bites at holiday meals. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He supported his family’s ventures, whether it involved school, sports, animals, or musical achievement. No matter how far away the event, he would be there. He will be remembered as a loving, patient, and kind husband, father, and grandfather. He accepted every person for who they were and loved unconditionally and was a stranger to no one.

He is survived by his wife of the home, his twin brother and sister-in-law, Harlan and Kay Seeliger of Ardmore, sister, Marlene Hafner of Stillwater, and sister-in-law, Yvonne Tappe; four daughters and sons-in-law: Glenda and Don Andrew of Perry, Joyce and Lincoln Lambert of Stillwater, Sheri and Les Justus of Perry, and Kara and Richard Levings of Perry; eleven grandchildren and spouses/significant other: Hutton and Megan Andrew of Perkins, Shannon and Robert Clemens of Stillwater, Will Lambert and Corleigh Green of Stillwater, Cory and Brandi Lambert of Stillwater, Trevor and Joy Lambert of Perry, Jaymi and Chris Thompson of Perry, Curtis and Elizabeth Justus of Frisco, TX, Jacqui Justus and Josiah Abello of Perry, Kelcie and Jeremy Cantrell of Perkins, Brian and Emily Levings of Edmond, and Caden Levings of Perry. Nineteen great-grandchildren: Briggs, Grier, and yet to be born baby girl Andrew of Perkins; Griffin and Grayson Clemens of Stillwater; Hendrix Lambert of Stillwater; Aiden, Kian, and Cameron Thompson of Perry; Anneliese and Ronan Justus of Frisco, TX; Jacie, Evie, Ryker, and Creed Cantrell of Perkins; Eleni, Stetson, Ebba Rose, and Eiley Mae Levings of Edmond.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers and sisters-in-law: Lawrence and Margaret Seeliger, Norman and Lois Seeliger, and Clair and Marilyn Seeliger; two brothers-in-law, Bill Hafner and Fred Tappe; sister-in-law, Trudy Tappe, and one infant sister, Mildred Seeliger.

A funeral service, with the Reverend William Metz officiating, will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 2 pm with online streaming available. Online streaming will be available at www.perrylutheran.com, https://www.facebook.com/perrylutheran, and https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmrzhe4NN_xLBHakhm4XlwQ.

It will be a closed service, with only immediate family attending in person. There will be a 3 pm graveside service at Grace Hill Cemetery, Perry, OK, open to extended family and friends. Pallbearers include Hutton Andrew, Robert Clemens, Will Lambert, Cory Lambert, Trevor Lambert, Chris Thompson, Curtis Justus, Josiah Abello, Jeremy Cantrell, Brian Levings, and Caden Levings. Honorary Pallbearers include Shannon Clemens, Jaymi Thompson, Jacqui Justus, Kelcie Cantrell, Ernest Inselman, Alton Larson, Fred Peterman, and Jim Smith.

Memorial Contributions may be made in Glen’s name to the Christ Lutheran Church, 1301 Seventh Street, Perry, OK 73077. We invite you to leave a message of condolence, expression of sympathy or perhaps share a memory of Glen at www.troutperry.com.

Source: Trout Funeral Home