Date of Death: November 17, 2022
Service Details
The family of Roger and Linda Seelye invite family & friends to join us for a celebration of their lives and their love. You are invited to join us Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the fellowship hall in the Marcellus Methodist Church, 197 W. Main St., Marcellus, for an open house from 1:00-4:00 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.
Obituary Notice
Roger Tolman Seelye Sr., 94, of Marcellus and Three Rivers, passed away Thursday, November 17, 2022 at Safe Haven Assisted Living, surrounded by his loving family. He joins his wife of 67 years, Linda, who preceded him on November 1, 2022.
Born September 14, 1928 in Kalamazoo, the son of Arthur and Alymira (Tolman) Seelye, he graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School with the Class of 1947.
Roger served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War; upon his return, he utilized the GI Bill to earn a two-year agricultural degree at Michigan State College.
As part of his studies at MSC, he brought pigs to the St. Joseph County Grange Fair. One day during Fair Week 1954, he laid eyes on Linda Flack, who was showing dairy cows as a member of the 4-H program. Love at first sight led to marriage on October 22, 1955.
A year and a half later, Roger and Linda purchased a house in Nicholsville, where they lived the remainder of their married life and raised a wide variety of farm animals. Dispensing wisdom and warmth in the community of 12 houses and 40 people, Roger earned the title “Mayor of Nicholsville.”
Through his career as a Michigan State Highway Inspector, he ensured safe roadways for millions of travelers.
Roger enjoyed woodcarving, gardening, and canning. He and Linda made the perfect artistic pair as she painted his wooden creations, which they then gifted to others. Each year, family and friends received miniature bird carvings. He often carved special pieces for her each year to mark Valentine’s Day, their anniversary, and Christmas.
Besides his family, three things were most important in his life: the Detroit Tigers – win or lose, Michigan State University – win or lose, and his service in the Korean War.
Remaining to cherish Roger’s memory are his sons, Roger T. Seelye Jr. of Wayland and Berwyn Arthur (Amy) Seelye of Otsego; daughter, Joyce (Steve) Gyllstrom of Three Rivers; grandchildren, Alex (Ashley) Gyllstrom, Eric (Leslie) Gyllstrom, Ellie Seelye, and Jack Seelye; step-granddaughters, Abigail (Bryan) Bellamy and Molly (Mike) Werner; great-grandchildren, Gwen Gyllstrom and one due in February; nine step-great-grandchildren; brother, Richard “Dick” (Betty) Seelye; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, one brother, and two sisters.
Additional Information
Donations in Roger’s memory may be directed to the Cass County Fair Sheep Department. Envelopes are available at and may be sent to Hohner Funeral Home.
Please Leave Your Condolences
When your condolences are submitted they will not display until approved by the Hohner staff for appropriateness out of respect for their memory. They should appear within 24 hours or less. Thank you for your understanding.
Joyce, I am thinking of and praying for your family.
Our deepest and sincere condolences to the Seelye Family. We grew up with them as our neighbors and as our friends. Mrs Seelye taught me how to knit for the 4H fair. They were a great couple with a great family and always had smiles on their faces. They will be missed. I will always hold the fondness of memories for both of them.
To the family of Roger, I’m so sad that you lost your mom and dad so close together, but it shows the deep love they had for each other. Their lives were not complete without her by his side. Please know that I’m sad for your family, but joyous they are together where they belong.
Take care
My sympathy to the Seelye family. Loved this guy, he was always sweet and patient. Such a kind and creative soul He and Linda will be greatly missed, both were an amazing influence on so many. 💕.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have one of those carved birds and smile every year when I hang it on the Christmas Tree. What a wonderful man.