William "Bill" Edward Seiter

Bill was born on November 5, 1938, son of Edward and Mildred (Arnett) Seiter. Much of Bill’s childhood was spent in Lexington, Missouri where he learned to love the freedom of a kid on a bicycle, the hardware business and to love dogs of all sizes.

He worked as a radiology technician at the old Research Hospital on Hospital Hill. In 1960 he began a more than 30 year career as a pharmaceutical representative for Merck Sharp and Dohme (later Merck Chemical Company). Through his sales calls he met hundreds of doctors, nurses and pharmacists, many of whom became good friends.

After an extended relationship with Rockhurst College, Bill graduated with a degree in Business Administration-Marketing in 1979.

Bill spent over 40 years as a servant to the parish of Our Lady of Sorrows. He was the first Lay Extraordinary Minister and the first lay lector in the parish following Vatican II. He served every role on the parish council and served as a pastoral care minister and communion minister for the church.

On September 10, 1960, Bill married Patricia Yontz at St. Agnes Catholic Church. They have two daughters, Susan Seiter and Carolyn (Steve) Ayers, two grandchildren, Riley (Seth) Goldstein and Dylan (Jess) Martin, one great-grandson Theodore Goldstein and a great-granddaughter expected in October. He is also survived by two grand-dogs, Cali Rose and Gemma Leigh and The Cat On The Porch. Bill served as honorary Grandpa and mentor to Libbie and Linsie Shatto, Aaron Michael Hudgins and Tyrone Lee.

After retiring from Merck, Bill revisited his hardware store days and worked at Euston Hardware in Prairie Village. He spent countless Mondays at the food pantry at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, serving as the world’s oldest altar boy for the parish and several special diocesan celebrations. He was a devoted caregiver to Cali and Gemma who will miss the tummy rubs.

Funeral services for Bill will be held Tuesday, May 20 at 2:00 pm at St. Therese Little Flower Catholic Church, 5814 Euclid, Kansas City, MO with visitation from 1:00-2:00 pm. Burial will be Wednesday, May 21 at 11:00 am at Machpelah Cemetery, Lexington, Missouri.

Memorials may be directed to the food pantry at St. Therese, Wayside Waifs or an animal rescue organization of the donor’s choice.

Bill’s family would like to thank the staff of ICU at St. Joseph, Connor the OT, Dr. Thad Stephens and staff, Barb JoRay, Diane Rohrer, Sr. Helen, Sr. Ann, Sr. Gabrielle, Bitsy Foster, the St. Therese community and all who have supported and prayed for us in the last months.