Mr. John Richard Seelhoff, age 63, of Hart, passed away Wednesday, September 18, 2013. He was born October 17, 1949, in Hart, to Stanley and Lenore (Peterson) Seelhoff. Mr. Seelhoff was a 1967 graduate of Hart High School and received his Bachelor's Degree in 1971 from Michigan State University. On January 15, 1977, he married the former Laura Jane Longanbach at the Hart United Methodist Church. John was employed by his alma mater, Hart Public Schools, as a teacher for 30 years, until his retirement in 2001. His activities in education included being a driver's education instructor for many years at school and then on his own with the Oceana Driving School; coaching little league baseball, Junior High School football, assistant varsity football coach, the official time keeper for Mark Bosse for the wrestling program at school; and having the role of "Mr. Dictionary" for many spelling bees at school. John was also very civic minded and was involved as the social director of the Community Dinners at Centenary United Methodist Church, where he was a member; served as cub master in Boy Scouts; was a 25 year member of the Oceana County Old Newsboys Association; and was a life member and past president of the Scottville Clown Band. His love of the outdoors included deer hunting for 40 years; he was proud of never getting his deer. He was also a member of the Oceana Eagles and the Ludington Elks Lodge.
John is survived by his wife, Jane Seelhoff of Hart; one daughter, Michelle (Tom) Mattson of Hart; two sons; Sean (Delena) Seelhoff of Norton Shores, and David (Kirstin) Seelhoff of Rockford; his mother, Lenore Seelhoff Westrate of Hart; and one brother, Bob (Cathy) Seelhoff of Ludington. He also has three grandchildren, Lars Mattson, Linnea Mattson and Madeline Seelhoff; a nephew, Michael Olson of Ludington and a niece, Christi Olson of Ludington. John also is survived by his beloved pets, Lupe and Duffy. He was preceded in death by his fathers, Stanley Seelhoff on July 12, 1961, and Marvin Westrate on November 15, 2004.
The Memorial Service for Mr. Seelhoff will be Saturday, September 28, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. at the Centenary United Methodist Church in Pentwater with Rev. Gary Bekofske and Rev. Clyde Miller officiating. There will also be a benefit and further celebration of John's life on Saturday, September 28, 2013, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hart Middle School. The Seelhoff family cordially invites everyone in the community to attend both events. The family requests that any memorials be directed to Community Dinners at Centenary United Methodist Church, 82 Hancock St., Pentwater, MI 49449 or The Hazelden Foundation, P.O. Box 11, Center City, MN 55012.

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