Delbert John “Dee” Seiwald, a lifelong resident of Eudora, Kansas, passed away peacefully at his home on May 27, 2025 at the age of 93. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora. The funeral service will be live streamed on YouTube @hfeudora for those interested. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery. A luncheon at the church hall will follow the burial.
A Rosary will be said at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, June 2, at Warren-McElwain Mortuary – Eudora Chapel with a Visitation following from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Born July 7, 1931, in Eudora, Dee was the son of Berthold John Seiwald and Martha Barbara Schehrer. He spent nearly his entire life in his hometown, where he built a quiet, meaningful life rooted in family, service, and community.
Dee graduated from Eudora High School in 1949, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. He especially cherished his time as left end on the school’s 1948 undefeated football team.
In 1951, he joined the U.S. Navy and trained as a communications technician in San Diego. He was stationed in Adak, Alaska, and later served three years in Yokohama, Japan during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in February 1955.
After the war, Dee enrolled at Finlay Engineering College in Kansas City, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering. He worked for Westinghouse in Chattanooga, Tennessee before returning to Eudora in 1959 following the death of his father. He went on to work at the Sunflower Army Ammunition Plant from 1960 until its closure in 1992. Throughout those years, he also farmed and raised cattle.
A man of faith and service, Dee was an active member of Holy Family Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, a longtime leader in the Eudora 4-H Club, and served for many years on the Eudora Township Council.
He married Barbara Reid Rider on August 26, 1967 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Eudora. Dee and Barbara raised four children. Survivors include his wife Barbara, of their home in Eudora; children Mitchell Rider of Lawrence, Susan Rider Pelzel (and husband Joe) of Eudora, Dee Ann Seiwald Andrews (and husband Scott) of Boulder, Colorado, Theresa Seiwald of Eudora; four grandchildren, Spencer Pelzel (and wife Elizabeth) of Dallas, Reid Pelzel of Ada, Oklahoma, emma andrews of London, England, and Grace Andrews of Silverthorne, Colorado; and sister Mary Seiwald Hennessey of Jacksonville, Florida. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Donald Seiwald and Paul Seiwald.
Dee loved the outdoors and especially looked forward to annual fishing trips to Canada with his friends. He carried a quiet strength, a deep sense of responsibility, and an unwavering dedication to his community and family.
Memorial contributions may be made in Dee’s name to Holy Family Catholic Cemetery and sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.