Jack Dean Seibold

Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Dianne Seibold, his parents August and Hazel Seibold (Bell) and his brother Paul Seibold. Jack is survived by his brother Dave Seibold, his children, Bill and Laura Caudill (Seibold) of Muncie, Indiana, Greg and Jill Forman (Seibold) of Allen, Texas, and Lee and Carol Lantz (Seibold) of Lansing, Michigan; his grandchildren, Jeremy and Caitlin Lantz, Justin and Sharee Forman, Joshua and Michelle Cools (Lantz), Tyler and Jill Forman, Jason and Amanda Lantz, Ritchie and Sarah Caudill, Micah and Courtney Hedges (Forman), Aaron and Heather Johnson (Lantz), Karin Caudill, Brent and Abigail Voorhees (Forman), Stephan and Jennifer Lantz, and Jonathan Lantz; step-grandchildren, Ryan Caudill and Aaron Caudill and 23 great-grandchildren.

Jack was born at home on September 10, 1928, in Jackson, Michigan. Growing up, summers included reveling in boyhood adventures with his brothers at the cottage on Clark Lake. Jack graduated from Jackson High School in 1946 as student body president and earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Michigan State College.

Jack met his soul mate, Dianne Helgeson Seibold, while lifeguarding at Oakland Hills Country Club. They were married on July 28, 1950, at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Detroit. Together they created a loving home full of treasured memories. During their years together, they enjoyed traveling, cheering for the Spartans, and most importantly, spending time with family. Cherished family trips were taken to their Ocean Village condo in Florida and the fishing cabin in Canada. Jack was an incredible grandpa who loved creating special moments. His grandchildren will always treasure memories of his magic tricks, trivia games, “the doors”, stashes of goodies, and his generous heart. Known as Majack, he created traditions that will endure.

Though he worked at Ferris State University during his early years, the focus of his career was at his alma mater as Associate Director of Admissions and Scholarships. For over 30 years, Jack helped a myriad of students, shared his passion for MSU, gained a reputation as an engaging speaker, and developed a circle of friends that continued until his passing. As a 4-year letter winner and avid supporter of Spartan athletics, Jack served the MSU Varsity Alumni Club for 22 years, helped coordinate the Save Our Sparty project, attended Spartan football games since 1950 and wrote the book Spartan Sports Encyclopedia.

Swimming was a family affair for Jack. He swam competitively with his two brothers at Jackson High School and Michigan State College. His devotion to MSU swimming remained until his death as he spent countless years officiating meets and presenting the Golden Spike Award at the annual swimming banquets. In addition, he founded and coached the Okemos Aquatic Club, an age-group swimming team which not only provided opportunity for youth to hone their skills but also forged a community of life-long friendships.

Jack also cultivated an extensive group of loyal friends through the Turkey softball team and fishing trips. Since 1970 Jack eagerly looked forward to the annual fishing expedition to Ile Paradis in Ontario, where he served as camp cook and entertainer. In the Canadian wilderness, fishing stories were exchanged, friendships were deepened, and memories were forever imprinted.

Though Jack will be greatly missed, his indelible mark will remain on the lives of his daughters, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and friends. We will always remember his laugh, wit, fun-loving spirit, and abundant generosity.

The funeral will take place Friday, May 11, 2018 at Williamston Free Methodist Church, 4400 N. Williamston Road, at 10:00 am. The family will accept friends Thursday, May 10, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Lansing Chapel, 1730 E. Grand River Ave., East Lansing, and again one hour prior to the service at the church.

Memorial donations may be given to the Jack Seibold Golden Spike Scholarship for MSU swimmers by visiting https://michiganstate.donornetpac.com/MSU/GiveNow/ and entering “In Memory of Jack Seibold” in the comments, or contact MSU swimming coach Matt Gianiodis at [email protected]. Donations may also be made to Back2Back Ministries, P.O. Box 70 Mason, Ohio 45040 with a designation for Lantz Missionaries (www.LantzFamily.org).