Doris Jean Seifert
August 30, 1925 – March 1, 2018
In lieu of a funeral service, a time of visitation and storytelling will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018, from 2:00-5:00 pm, at Milwood Community Church, 3306 Lovers Lane, Kalamazoo, MI 49001.
Obituary
Died on March 1, 2018, in Kalamazoo at the age of 92. She was born in Moorhead, MN, on August 30, 1925, the fourth child of the late Laurits (Bertha) Melby. The best thing about Doris was that she loved Jesus. While she’ll be absent from all those who knew and loved her, we rejoice that she is with the Lord. Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15. Doris was a hard worker. Over the years she held many jobs and moved often. She did everything from teaching in a one-room school in Minnesota to working for Weyerhaeuser and the logging industry. She would finally retire in 1987 but continued to stay active. Doris loved to fish for salmon in Juneau, AK, and Campbell River, BC, Canada. She was a wizard at Pinochle, Bridge, Whist, Hearts, and whatever else was dealt. Doris played golf, waterskied, and climbed Mt. St. Helens twice in the 1960’s. On June 6, 2004, she was recognized by the Tacoma-Pierce County Baseball-Softball Old Timers Association for her efforts to introduce and establish women’s fast-pitch softball to Pierce County, WA. In her own special way Doris was creative as creative could be. She loved to write letters, collect coins. She loved to cook some creative meals and you always went away full; she was one person on a small list that actually liked Lutefisk. Doris loved her family and her friends, especially her precious grandchildren. She was truly one of a kind! Doris is survived by her only child, Brian (Lora) Seifert of Kalamazoo, MI; three grandchildren, Marisa, William and Elizabeth. She is also survived by her siblings, Adeline Corwin of Ulen, MN, Lynn (Dolly) Melby of Fargo, ND, Alan (Loretta) Melby of Hawley, MN, Vivian Poach of Merced, CA, Rodney (Diane) Melby of Bismarck, ND, Gary (Carol) Melby of Minneapolis, MN; too many beautiful nephews and nieces to mention. Doris was also preceded in passing by her husband Roman Seifert, former husband, John Wandberg; siblings and in-laws, Bernice (George) Schenck, Jack Corwin, Gloria (Louie) Flom, Lloyd Poach, Stanley (Bonnie) Melby, Sonya Melby.
I was blessed to have Doris as one of my second mom’s in my life. She helped raise me from first grade when Brian and I first met. She took us to church and soccer practices, took us golfing and tons of sporting events (T-Birds, Mariners, Stars games) and taught us all how to play cards. (You quickly became good at cards because Doris would bury you if you didnt). She was a lot of fun and I remember us laughing until we darn near wet our pants. Some of my greatest childhood memories Doris was a big part of. She was a wonderful lady and I will love her forever. Thank you for loving me Doris. Love your other son. Steven
I miss my friend and her phone calls. Our friendship started way back in the 60’s when we worked at Weyerhaeuser. She was one of a kind and happiest when talking about Brian and his family and studying the word of God. The tribute you wrote for your mother was beautiful.
What a legacy Brian & Lora, grandchildren too! I look forward to meeting Doris across the Jordan!
Sending you my deepest sympathies Brian and Lora and family. I loved how she was so interested in our Families and taking care of the “Family Tree”.
Brian and Lora….what a beautiful one-of-a-kind tribute for a one-of-a-kind mama. She was a wonderful, interesting woman and I’m sure had a lifetime of stories to tell herself. I’m sure you will miss her fiercely so we are praying comfort for you and your dear family. Miss you dear people! Love and hugs, Carroll and Kathy
Our Bible study group misses Doris. She loved the Lord and His word. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Brian, Lora, Marisa, Willis and Libby.
Met you a couple times but love your son. Know you are home now with Jesus.
Brian and Lora and family– what a beautiful tribute to your mother! Your mother sounds like a remarkable woman! Wish I had known her. Glad I know all of you now. It’s beautiful to have a visitation and storytelling– that’s the best. Pray that your memories will bless you as you grieve and remember.
Brian, your mom was an amazing woman! She touched so many and raised one heck of a man. My thoughts and prayers are always with you!