Dr. Wilhelm (Bill) Werner Seeger, age 85, of Alaska, MI, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Bill was born on May 7, 1936 to parents Emilie and William Seeger. Bill was preceded in death by his wife of over 55 years, Dr. Mary Anderson Seeger; and cousin Karl Gustav Siebert. Surviving are his brother Dr. Joachim (Polly) Seeger; niece Cindy (Dan) Ciruli; nephew Steven (Ashley) Seeger; three great nieces and two great nephews; cousin Christel (Siebert) Timmers; and Sisters-In-Law Kathryn George Johnson and Jane Elizabeth El Shami. Bill started his education at Immanuel Lutheran School and graduated from Central High School. He then went on to earn degrees from Grand Rapids Community College, the University of Michigan and his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin. He was proud of his German heritage which led him to a career in teaching German studies at Grand Valley State University where he taught for over 40 years. He played a vital role in laying the foundation for GVSU's International Education Program in 1967, by asking his German relatives to take in GVSU students.
Growing up above The Schnitzelbank Resturant (on Jefferson Avenue-Grand Rapids), Bill's first language was German. Later in life, he reminisced about cleaning tables and bar-tending as a young adult. The Schnitzelbank Restaurant was established by his grandparents, Gustav and Martha Horn who settled in Grand Rapids, after emigrating from Germany in the 1920's with their daughters Charlotte and Emilie. Joe Seeger and the Seeger family would like to express their appreciation to Bill and Joe’s “niece”, Kathy Timmers Sebel, for the loving care and support she gave Bill and Mary during these last few years.
Donations in his honor can be made to a charity of your choice.
A private memorial for family and friends will be held at a later date.
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