James Seitzer

James E. Seitzer, age 94 of St. Peter, passed on to join his Heavenly Father and Loving Wife Marie, on July 4th, 2013 at the Benedictine Center in St. Peter.

Jim was born on March 20, 1919 in St. Peter to Albert (Ole) and Regina (Walter) Seitzer. He graduated from St. Peter High School. Jim met his wife, his "everything", Marie at a local restaurant owned by her sister, and on February 6, 1940 they were blessed into the Sacrament of Marriage. They celebrated 69 years of marriage and were proud parents of nine children, until Marie passed away on February 7, 2009.

Jim served in the United States Navy as Pharmacy 2nd Class Petty Officer, E5 in the Pacific theatre from 08/1943-11/1945. Following his return from the war, he worked as a reliable and trustworthy manager for a number of local businesses, including Rheaume Hotel and Bar, Hinnenthal and Stindt Hardware, Bills Hardware, and finally Ace Hardware where he retired in 1974 following a major heart attack. Jim was known for opening the store during off business hours, Holidays, evenings and Sundays to support the customer's family and household special requests.

Jim also will long be remembered for his unselfish and life-long 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 dutifully placing flags on the graves of all Veterans at the cemetery for 54 years. Jim was also noted for his dedication and commitment as a volunteer within the St. Peter Fire Department serving 35 years of continuous service, with 26 of those years as the secretary. He always referred to the local Fire Department as his second home and family.

Jim is survived by his children Robert (Marianne) Seitzer of Overland Park, KS.; Dennis R (Mari) Seitzer of Destin, FL/ Savannah, GA.; Kathleen (Michael) Bloom of Indianapolis, IN. (previously Lake Washington MN); James (Belinda) Seitzer Jr. of Burnsville, MN.; Mary Sue (John) Simota of Montgomery, MN.; Donald (Kimberly) Seitzer of Silverthorne, CO.; and Julianne M. (Donald) McNeil of Burnsville, MN.; granddaughter Tina Seitzer of Kent City, MI.; 27 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; John O'Malley son-in-law Albuquerque, NM.; Rose Baumgarten daughter-in-law of Ankeny, IA.; numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and personal friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Marie, parents, sister Marion Boys and brother Robert, daughter Patricia O'Malley and son Michael P. Seitzer.

Visitation with the family and final viewing for James will commence at 10:00 AM on Wednesday July 10th, 2013 at the Catholic Church of St. Peter. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted in honor of James, at 11:00 AM, immediately following the visitation with Father Todd officiating. Following the service, James will be laid to rest next to Marie at the Calvary Cemetery, St. Peter. St. Peter Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.