William “Bill” Seitzer

Obituary

William “Bill” Joseph Seitzer, 70, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, left us on June 20, 2025, with the same quiet strength, steady heart, and well-timed wit that he carried through life.

Born October 9, 1954, in Mankato, Minnesota, and raised on the family farm outside of St. Peter, Minnesota, Bill learned early on that hard work, a sense of humor, and a stubborn streak could get you pretty far in life. After graduating from St. Peter High School, Bill earned his degree in Agriculture at South Central Technical College. While in college, he rolled up his sleeves and joined the family farm, working for the next 18 years where he proudly put in long days before trading in his Red Wing boots for a computer and cell phone (though he never gave up his pickup truck). As a District Sales Manager with Form-A-Feed, he spent decades building relationships—not just selling nutritional programs for livestock, but swapping stories and shaking hands like a true professional. He retired after a long and fulfilling career, knowing he’d made a difference in barns across Minnesota. In 2016, he reached a lifelong dream—buying a retirement home on Lake Washington in Dassel, Minnesota.

The joy of gardening was always on Bill’s mind, along with tending to his koi ponds and becoming an expert fireplace builder for family and friends to gather on the patio. Whether he was crafting homemade maple syrup in the spring, experimenting with wines, or showing his sons how to fix something “the right way,” Bill approached every task with a mix of curiosity, creativity, and commentary. He could talk crops, politics, or classic rock without missing a beat and was the king of the quick one-liner.

His one true love was Diane—his wife of 47 years, whom he married on March 11, 1978. Those who knew Bill weren’t told of his love; they were shown it. Whether in a helping hand, a witty comment, or just showing up when you needed him—Bill loved best through action. For those lucky enough to be shown that love, cherish it and always remember it.

Bill’s legacy isn’t just measured in garden beds or house projects—it lives on through that love, through his deep friendships often forged over card games, and through the joyful chaos of his grandkids. He relished being “Grandpa Bill” and lit up around his 8 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He may have loved to stir the pot in good fun, but he was also the rock everyone could count on—constant, sturdy, and always there.

Bill is survived by his wife, Diane Seitzer; his children, Mike (Ashley) Seitzer of Brainerd, MN, Charlie (Emily) Seitzer of Dayton, MN, and Anna (Adam) Swanson of Hector, MN; his grandchildren, Natalia (Cole) Kelly, Viktoria, Anika, Marko, Ziggy, Rhett, Anders, and Ava; and his great-grandchild, Hayden. He was welcomed into heaven by his beloved son, Joseph “Joe” Seitzer; parents, Lyle and Bernita Seitzer; and brother Dave Seitzer—no doubt already organizing a card game.

We’ll miss Bill’s quick wit, generous spirit, and the way he made ordinary moments unforgettable. If there’s a patio in heaven, we know Bill’s already got the fire rolling.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made to the Hutchinson Health Cancer Center.