Ernest H Seif

Ernest H. Seif, born April 14, 1943, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife, brother and sister, and his daughters on November 19, 2024.

Ernest, known by his friends and family as “Ernie” graduated from Belding High School in 1961, and lived his entire life in the Belding, Michigan area. His outgoing and warm personality were evident in the tremendous number of people who knew and loved him deeply. Ernie worked as a crop and dairy farmer, starting his farming career at a very young age. He worked the family muck fields growing potatoes, onions, celery, and lettuce with his parents and grandparents. He worked for the Gibson factory for many years, and in addition, ran a greenhouse operation from his home and would religiously make trips to Trufant flea market to sell his flowers and produce. His hard work growing corn and other crops plus milking his dairy cows were a great source of pride for Ernie. Later in life Ernie owned and managed numerous residential rental homes in the Belding area, providing affordable housing to many in the community. Ernie loved to go fishing. He also enjoyed deer hunting on the family farm, however, he was more content seeing others have success than his own desire to harvest a deer. He always made sure all those out in the field were well stocked with cookies and hot sweet tea.  Ernie and his wife were members of Shiloh Community Church for many years. 

Ernie is survived by his wife, Carole (Hammond) Seif; his brother, Ronald (Gail) Seif; his sister Marilyn Rop; and his daughters, Valerie Seif, Sherri (Tom) Griffioen, Kim Godby, and Lynn (Tim) Austin; his step-children, Bart T. (Lisa) Ketner, Breton E. Ketner, and Heather E. (Lee) Miller; 7 grandchildren, Drew (Leah) Griffioen, Aubrey (Kevin) Doty, Jennifer (Nathan) Grudzinskas, Mark Griffioen, Martina (Marty) Trann, Michael Griffioen, Teague Griffioen; 7 step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Kit) Thompson, Thomas (Paige) Ketner, Tony Ketner, Shannan Ketner, Molly S. Ketner, Britney L. Ketner, and Zorianna Turchyn; and 8 great grandchildren, Adam Doty, Viktor Grudzinskas, Landon Griffioen, Vladimir Grudzinskas, Charlie Doty, Bowynn Trann, Gavin Griffioen, and Mylee Mae Trann; and 1 step-great grandchild, Hailey. Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Jane Seif.

Visitation will take place on Monday, November 25, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809. Ernie’s Funeral will take place on Tuesday, November 26, with Visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Mike Simmons officiating. A luncheon will follow at the Belding American Legion Post, 121 S. Broas Street, Belding, Michigan, 48809. Interment will follow at Woodard Lake Cemetery, Fenwick. Those wishing to make a donation in Ernie’s memory are invited to consider St. Jude’s’s Children’s Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the service or by contacting Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge St., Belding, at (616) 794-1300 or verdunfh.com, who is caring for the arrangements.