Ralph W. “Spiegel” Seewald, age 100 ½, of Coleman, passed away on October 16, 2026. Ralph was born on April 3, 1926, at home in the Town of Pound to the late Jesse and Amelia (Borths) Seewald. On October 21, 1950, he married the former Joyce Marie Lesperance. Together they lived in Coleman, raising their family on the 100-year-old Seewald farm. She preceded him in death on July 19, 2019. He worked as a farmer and drove a milk route for several years. He also worked in several factories, mostly Chadwick’s. He was a longtime member of St. Anne Catholic Church. Prior to that he was a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Grover.
Ralph was a generous man. He would help anyone in need and always had a kind word for everyone. He loved tractors, especially Allis Chalmers and was a member of an Allis Chalmers Club. He was also a car fanatic and at last count he had over 62 cars in his lifetime. He was very proud of his family farm. For many years he ran a hobby farm with pigs, chickens and his best friend Kipper. He also loved gardening and on the Seewald farm gardening was a competition. He and Joyce were known to have numerous gardens every year. They also loved Polka music and dancing. For over 50 years he never missed an area parade and liked to enter with one of his classic cars or tractors. He loved attending auctions and looked forward to the “Dollar Boxes.”
Ralph will be sadly missed by his children Sandee (Ray) Seewald, Karen (Dan) Frye, Carma Tress, Larry (Paula) Seewald, and Mike (Kathy) Seewald. 13 Grandchildren Dathan Frye, Brittany (Joshua) Checki, Jessica (Ric) Mathias, Chad Tress, Jesse (Emily) Seewald, Mandy (Matt) Ruechel, Sara (Derek) Schimming, Joshua (Jackie) Seewald, Lacey (Nick) Kuchta, Kailey Seewald, Ashley Anne, Lyndsey (Ashley) Seela and Trevor (Payton) Seewald, step-grandchildren Kaitlyn King and Cecily King, and 18 Great Grandchildren, Jayden, Taylor, Katie, Cameron, Parker, Levi, Emily, Francesca, Mattie, Eli, Josslyn, Jaxon, Larry, Liam, Leo, Jensen, Ember and Simon, daughter-in-law Brenda Seewald, as well as many nieces nephews and other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Joe Baenen, wife Joyce, son Jim Seewald, grandson Jarod Tress and siblings Melvin (Bernice) Seewald and Lorraine (Peter) Rysewyk.
There will be a visitation for Ralph on Saturday October 24, 2026 from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Anne Catholic Church in Coleman. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM at church with Fr. Ben Johnson officiating. Burial will be at St. John Cemetery in Coleman.
A special thanks to Sandee for years of care given to dad.
“Put a handle on it and have a little happiness”.
