MICHAEL SEITZ

1944 - 2025

MICHAEL "MIKE"

ALBERT SEITZ

June 12, 1944 – Nov. 9, 2025

Michael Albert Seitz passed away peacefully at his home in Imperial, California, on November 9, 2025, at the age of 81, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's disease.

Born on June 12, 1944, in Santa Monica, CA, to Eugene and Marion Seitz, Mike was raised in Yuma, AZ, where his love of the desert began. He was a proud member of the first graduating class of Yuma's Kofa High School class of 1963. Mike enjoyed the visual arts club, the FFA, and high school football. After high school Mike went on to attend the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture.

On July 16, 1966, just weeks after his college graduation, Mike married the love of his life, Sherry Lynn. Their romance began at the Dairy Queen around the corner from where Sherry lived - it blossomed into a love story that would last nearly six decades.

Mike's career, which began in Brewster, Washington, reflected his steady work ethic and service-minded spirit. While in Washington, he taught woodshop, guided FFA members, and even drove a school bus.

In 1968, Mike served honorably as an Army air traffic controller in Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star.

After Mike completed his military service, he and Sherry moved to the Imperial Valley in Caiifornia where they raised their two daughters, Dawnlouise and Carolyn. Throughout Mike's long career, he worked in the agriculture industry, including his time with Wilbur-Ellis, owning his own entomology and pest-control advisory business, as well as teaching entomology at Imperial Valley College. For Mike's last 30 years of employment, he worked for the Imperial County Ag Commissioner's office, from which he retired in 2012.

Mike's entire life exemplified a spirit of community service. He used his woodworking skills to help build St. Anthony's Church, where he was also a joyful member of the Spanish choir. And for more than three decades, he was a dedicated volunteer with the De Anza Rescue Unit, spending countless hours training and answering many calls to help safely bring home lost and missing people.

Mike lived life with a balance of strict expectations, generosity, and a kind heart. "He was a hands on" dad, who showed up to change diapers and bandage scraped knees. There were many summer days when he toted his little girls along with him in his work truck while inspecting crops and providing his expertise to his farming clients. He raised his daughters well and taught them to be self-reliant.

Mike thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors, and some of his favorite activities included frog gigging, camping, fishing, and insect collecting. But most importantly, at the core of all of Mike's activities, was his dedication to his family. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor, quiet strength, and for the way he showed his love for others, especially as a loving husband, devoted father, proud "Grumpa," and loyal friend.

Mike is survived by his beloved wife, Sherry Seitz; daughters, Dawnlouise (Chris) Seitz-Ellison, and Carolyn (Jeff) Meeks; brother, Joe (Debbie) Seitz; sister, Cindy (Rich) Seitz-Krug; grandchildren, Haidyn, Spencer, Douglas and William; many nieces and nephews, friends, and caregivers.

A rosary will be held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Imperial, CA, on December 18, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. Funeral mass will follow at 11:15 a.m. A private interment will take place at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Mikes generous heart by making a donation to the Cancer Resource Center of the Desert. 90% of every dollar stays local to help our neighbors. Donations may be mailed to P.O. Box 513, El Centro, CA, 92244, or through their website at: www.crcdinc.org. Mike would be deeply grateful and proud for any contributions made in his honor.

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." Colossians 3:23-24.