Paul David Seppala

Paul D. Seppala, age 82, of Holland, formerly of Niles, Michigan passed away Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Resthaven Maple Woods Cottages. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather and great grandfather and was known for his generous spirit as well as his silly and quick-witted humor.
Paul was born and raised in Detroit by his mother, Mae, and father, George, along with his brother, Earl. The family was close with their grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins. They enjoyed spending time together in the Copper Country of the Upper Peninsula. He followed in his parent's footsteps and went on to become a teacher. He received a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Education and a Master of Arts in Education from Northern Michigan University, and taught Math, CAD, AutoCAD, and Drafting for the majority of his 30-year career at Southwestern Michigan College at their campuses in Niles and Dowagiac. In a letter of recognition from the Dean of Business and Technology in 1993 it was shared that Paul "has developed the drafting/engineering technology program into one of the most advanced in the state". His daughter remembers how excited he was to be part of a team to help bring one of the first 3D printers to the college.
He was proud of his Finnish heritage and tremendously loved spending time with his family, sailing, kayaking, and was always busy working on projects around the house. After retiring from teaching Paul purchased a summer home in Grand Traverse County and was always on the move between Niles and Traverse City and visiting his daughters and grandchildren. Paul was never known to turn down a cup of coffee or a sweet treat (especially Moomers Cherries Moobilee ice cream), although any kind of "scary" green vegetable was likely tossed to one of his dogs!
He was an accomplished woodworker and all-around handyman - building both of his houses and even installing an in-ground pool with assistance from his longtime friend, Dennis. Lacking hobbies was never a problem for Paul; he dabbled in many, which included: clock making, stained glass, fishing, sailing, playing pool, skeet shooting, scuba diving, cars, and furniture making. Paul was also passionate about his happy places on the waters of Grand Traverse Bay and Duck Lake where he loved spending time with his family, friends, and golden retrievers. He loved watching college football, hockey, and basketball especially if the MSU Spartans or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish were playing. It was house divided so he was often found wearing gear for both teams on game day just so he couldn't be accused of taking sides.
While living in Niles, Paul regularly attended church at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and then he began to attend Zion Lutheran Church in Holland with his daughter, Michelle's family, when he moved to the area.
Paul is survived by his:
Daughters
Karen (David) Hossfeld of Oswego, IL
Michelle (Travis) Gibbs of Holland
Grandchildren
Sarah (Justin) Dancu
Matthew Hossfeld
Christopher (Kendra) Hossfeld
Oliver Gibbs
Emmalynn Gibbs
Great grandchildren
Theodore Dancu
John Dancu
Maelys Dancu
Brother
Earl (Sylvia) Seppala of Hockessin, DE
Former wife
Mary Seppala of Niles/Holland
A private family service, with Rev. Ryan Winningham officiating, is planned at Zion Lutheran Church in Holland. Burial will be in Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Traverse City. Memorial contributions may be made to Resthaven's Maple Woods Cottages Fund "Renewing Our Legacy" or the Alzheimer's Association. The Seppala family is grateful for all the kindness, care, and support shown to them by the staffs at both Maple Woods and Faith Hospice. Arrangements are by Langeland-Sterenberg Funeral Home and condolences may be left online at www.langelandsterenberg.com.