Donald James Seibel

Born on March 24, 1941, in Elgin, North Dakota, Donald grew up in a two-room sod house, learning early the values of hard work, perseverance, and responsibility. He graduated from Elgin High School in 1960, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track, serving as football team captain his junior and senior years. He later played collegiate athletics at Dickinson State and North Dakota State College of Science, winning championships and earning induction into the North Dakota State College of Science Hall of Fame in 2012.

Donald proudly served his country in the Army National Guard from 1965 to 1971.

In 1968, Donald met the love of his life, Kristin. It was love at first sight. He proposed within ten days, and they were married just three months later, beginning a 57-year marriage defined by devotion, partnership, and deep affection. Donald loved his wife and family more than anything, and every part of his life reflected that commitment.

Donald devoted himself fully to family and career. He worked full time for the state for 31 years with the State Transportation Department, supporting major infrastructure projects including Interstates 90 and 82 through materials testing and quality control. He earned certification as a National Civil Engineering Technician and later worked in the private sector as a Quality Control and Engineering Manager.

Alongside his demanding work, Donald built a life centered on faith and service. Donald’s strong Christian beliefs were the foundation of how he lived, loved, worked, and served others throughout his life. From 1973 to 1992, he farmed wheat, alfalfa, and raised black Angus cattle. Despite the demands of state employment and farming, Donald volunteered countless hours of coaching basketball from 1981-1994. He coached basketball at multiple levels; he traveled with teams to national championship tournaments across the country, leaving a lasting impact far beyond the scoreboard.

Donald also built four homes, creating places filled with warmth and family memories. He found joy in snowmobiling, boating, fishing, and clamming in Alaska, Oregon, and Washington, and treasured eight years living on Mayfield Lake. An enthusiastic traveler, Donald spent countless days cruising and traveled widely across five continents.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife, Kristin; his children Bryce Seibel (wife Julee, children Ian and Kylee), Brandon Seibel (wife Stephanie, children Connor and Stacia), Tally Garcia (husband David, children Anika and Morgan), and Terra Sliger (husband Richard, children Araya, Alyssa, and Miya); nine grandchildren; and his great-granddaughter Brinley, daughter of Alyssa. He is also survived by his sister, Edith Hauge. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Frieda Seibel, and his siblings Fred Seibel, Charlotte Schadler, Lorenz Seibel, and Kenneth Seibel.

Donald James Seibel will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a faithful Christian; a selfless coach; and a man whose love for God and family guided everything he did.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, January 9, at 3:00pm at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Yakima, WA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to North Star Lodge Cancer Center. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff for their exceptional care, compassion, and support. https://memfound.org/ways-to-give/donate to leave a memory for the family please visit keithandkeith.com