Arthur Otts J. Seiler

Mr. Arthur J. Seiler was a modest man, quiet with a great sense of humor. He was trustworthy and traditional in his approach to his life and in his relationships. He was tough-minded with the kind of “stick to it” attitude that earned the respect of all who knew him. He was also a man who was meticulous, carefully disciplined, and orderly in virtually everything he undertook. Realistic about life, he was always at the ready, prepared to take on responsibility.

Arthur was born on May 15, 1912 in Catonsville, Maryland. His parents were Albert Seiler and Johanna Marie Koblitz. He was brought up to be self-confident and dependable. These were traits that would serve him well throughout his life.

Growing up in the Seiler household was a bit different than most homes. There were good times to be had, but just as often there was a fair share of challenges as well. Arthur was raised with 9 siblings; 4 brothers and 5 sisters. William, Ernest, Carl, and Milton , and Lucy, Mary, Dorothy, Amela, and Alma. Arthur was constantly involved in activities with his brothers and sisters.

Arthur was first married in 1948 to Dorothy Hawkins . In 1955 Arthur & Dorothy became parents to daughter, Wendy. After some years as a widower, Arthur married Martha Johnson in 1977 and became stepdad to sons, Jim, Charles, & Greg.

In his younger days, Arthur was a taxi driver before joining the Air force and learning engine mechanics and sheet metal skills. After the war he worked with his brothers in the plumbing business and the hardware business. He later learned bookkeeping and was employed many years at Strosnider's Hardware in Bethesda, MD.

During WWII he was in the Air force and sent to England from 1943 - 1945. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the European-African-Middle-Eastern Theater ribbon & Good conduct medal.

When Arthur’s retirement finally arrived in 1977, he was well prepared. He and wife, Martha relocated to a senior-living community called “Leisure World" in Olney, Maryland. They soon decided to move south for a warmer climate and settled in Clearwater, Florida. When the Florida summers became too hot for them, they moved north to a famous golfing community, Pinehurst, NC, where they lived for many years. In retirement, he found a renewed pleasure in golf. Even in retirement, Arthur continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances. He was active in his new Pinehurst Trace community and felt fulfilled. He played golf weekly and earned a number of trophies including a “whole-in-hole” he was very proud to display. Art & Martha enjoyed playing cards with other couples in the neighborhood. When he wasn’t playing golf, he enjoyed watching it on TV along with baseball and car racing.

Mr. Arthur J. Seiler passed away on March 15, 2010 at Springhouse assisted living in Baltimore. Gradually Art's heart gave out and he died in his sleep. He is survived by his daughter Wendy, stepsons Jim, Charles & Greg. Services were held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lutherville, Maryland.

Commitment is a key word that can be used to describe the life of Mr. Arthur J. Seiler. He was committed to living the life of a good man who was both practical and trustworthy. He had a great sense of humor that he maintained throughout his life. He did not believe in giving up and standing still. He liked to walk about to see what was going on. He was committed to the traditional values that he upheld his entire life. He was a loyal husband, friend and father.

We shall miss him greatly.