William J. Seiter Jr., Ph.D.

1934 - 2021

William J. Seiter, Jr. Ph.D., age 86, of Crystal, passed away Wednesday, January 13, 2021, at his home with his wife Marcia by his side. William (Bill) was born December 4, 1934 in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, the son of William Sr. and Beatrice (Detwiler) Seiter. Bill was a wonderful husband and father who was beloved by his family. He was a great example of someone who was strong, humble, kind, fair, honest and took meticulous care of his lakefront home, which was a source of lots of great memories and plenty of opportunities to learn about the importance of working hard and taking care of your family and community. For many years Bill and Marcia hosted a big 4th of July celebration at the lake where extended family spent time enjoying the lake and each other’s company. Bill highly valued education. He made no secret of his belief that all his kids should go to college and they all did. He enjoyed a long and successful career which started as a teacher in Carson City in 1958. He later became a school psychologist, Director of Special Education and then Superintendent of the Intermediate School District in Montcalm County for over 30 years. He also served on multiple boards and committees, held memberships in several organizations, was a member of an investor’s club, and was a founder of a real estate corporation that at one point owned the carousel that used to reside in Crystal. And still he always made time to be home for dinner with his family. He studied at Ferris State, Central Michigan, and completed his Doctorate in Education from Michigan State University; and never lost his focus on the importance of education and teachers. Bill’s interest in making things better for the community, teachers, students and the special education community included many projects and accomplishments, such as creating a board to start a credit union in Edmore so teachers could get a loan and buy a house; participating on the planning and development board that started Montcalm Community College in Sidney; and starting the first special education program in Montcalm County which became multifaceted, and he now has a special education center named after him in Greenville. He was a Mason, a Lion and a longtime member of the Crystal Congregational Church. He was a licensed pilot, and owned a personal plane for many years, taking his family and friends flying Saturday afternoons. The plane is how he and Marcia met. He was handy with tools, fixing cars, or his house or something his kids broke. He loved fishing trips with the guys and a good round of golf. He was a pillar of strength, never felt the need to tout his accomplishments, and was always willing to help, such as putting up Christmas decorations around town with his longtime friend Bob, or picking up Jim, a church member with no car, to give him a ride to church every Sunday. He would truly give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He had a sparkle in his eye and sense of humor and wit that made everyone smile. He lived in Montcalm County for over 60 years and was an active member of his community and a true example, especially to his wife and kids, of a life well lived. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Marcia; five children; Don Moore of Paraguay, Nancy (Gary) Levitt of St. Clair, MI; Debe (Dan) Mitchell of Big Rapids, MI; Allen (Krista) Seiter of Holly MI, and Mary (Craig) Cook of N. Barrington, IL; eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by six siblings, Clara Samborn: Judy (George) Vogel: Nina (Michael) Cronenberger; Melvin (Vonnie) Seiter; Irene Graham; and Ilene (Dennis) LaCross; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Private Funeral Service for Bill will be held at Clark Family Funeral Chapel. Friends are invited to attend the services via a live broadcast on Monday, January 18, 2021 at 11 a.m. by visiting the webcasting link at Bill’s Book of Memories at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com or www.facebook.com/clarkfuneralchapel. Interment will immediately follow at Vernon Township Cemetery. The family will receive friends at a public visitation on Monday from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Clark Family Funeral Chapel. Guests will be limited to current restriction guidelines, with masks required and social distancing. Extra guests are asked to remain in your heated vehicle and funeral chapel staff will inform you when you may pay your respects. Memorial contributions may be made to the family to establish a scholarship fund that will be utilized for students entering higher education. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel, or they can be sent to Clark Family Funeral Chapel, 114 S. Bradley Street, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. The family would like to extend their appreciation to his dedicated care providers.