Steven Joseph Seewald

After battling cancer for two years, Steve Seewald, age 71, passed away on December 6th. He is survived by his loving wife, Meryl Lee of 49 years; and their children Jenny (Kenny) and Jeff. Forever loved by his grandchildren, Brechen and Cedar; step-grandchildren Allen (Lauren) and Anthony (Clair); great-grandchildren Viona, Daphne, Isla, and Hudson; along with his sisters Patti (Gary) Marsh and Marsha (Phil) Willis. Steve was predeceased by his father Joe, mother Kate and brother Dennis.

Steve was born in Longmont, CO on January 19, 1953 and grew up on his parent’s farm. Steve’s sister Patti recalls that he didn’t like sleeping alone in his crib, so she and Marsha ended up with him in their beds so that he would fall asleep. Marsha remembers Steve lending her his black Schwin bicycle periodically; as long as it was back where he left it when he needed it. Steve grew to be quite the athlete as his pitching for the Longmont High Trojans was noticed by the Pittsburgh Pirates whom later recruited him. A heart attack suffered by his father during his Junior year of High School led Steve to decide to stay home to keep the family farm running in addition to his own. Luckily for Steve, the farm was near Colorado State University where he was introduced to the love of his life by a friend who was dating Meryl Lee’s roommate at the time. Steve and Meryl Lee were married in Walsenburg on October 18, 1975 and turned his farm into a home where Jenny and Jeff were born and raised. Jenny’s obsession with any farm animal to be found and Jeff’s mechanical skills were honed when they were youngsters. Jenny’s love of livestock continues to this day and has been passed on to Cedar while Jeff’s mechanical passion has led to his love for flying and current aerial spraying business. 

Farming was always Steve’s focus, but he was also a fireman at heart and become a Chief of the Mead Rural Fire Department and an EMT/firefighter for several years. He became so knowledgeable of firefighting that he taught Fire Science classes at Aims Community College and became an arson investigator for the local fire protection districts; all of this in addition to fulltime farming.

After the kids left home for college, Meryl Lee started a travel agency and Steve kept on farming until the two of them decided to sell the farm and start a well-earned retirement. Retirement for a farmer does not mean that work stops, and Steve was no exception to that rule as he helped neighbors with their farms during summers and harvests. Due to longtime dreams of travel and Meryl Lee’s profession as a travel agent, the two of them did find time to travel with friends and family to several foreign locations including Mississippi to visit the family’s favorite “redneck” cousin Bill and other relatives. 

Steve lived his life driven by his Christian Faith and love for family and friends. Being prepared for anything life threw at him and showing up on time were important to him, but honesty and integrity were key virtues to him and he ensured that his children live by them as well. One of Steve’s sayings burned into their minds is “if you can’t do it right, don’t do it at all”. In addition to his work ethic, they recall his kind heart, onery smile and always having their backs. Jenny, Jeff and others will miss being able to call Steve and talk about their younger years and daily conversations that often ended in laughter. It is apparent Steve was very proud of his family, as his friends would always comment on how often he would talk about his children. He was their biggest fan and biggest critic; even at the very end Steve held his family close and had a positive attitude towards life.

Funeral services will be held at Sun Lakes Community Church; 9240 E Sun Lakes Blvd N Sun Lakes, AZ 85248 on December 15th at 12:10 PM. Friends and family are welcome to donate to the Sun Lakes Community Church in lieu of flowers.

Steve wants us all to know that he doesn’t want anyone to be sad for him. During a near death experience during an illness several years ago, Steve experienced “Heaven’s light” which gave him comfort in knowing that he would be fine when his time on Earth came to an end. He was blessed here on Earth and was ready to see the beauty that he is now enjoying in Heaven.