Dr. Mitchell Steffan Seidler, 85, of Milford Ohio, formerly of Chattanooga, died Monday, February 16, 2004.
Dr. Seidler was born April 27, 1918 to the late Hugo F. and Hattie C. (Seiler) Seidler. He accepted Jesus Christ at age 12 as his personal Savior. He graduated from the University of Chicago with a BA degree in Business Administration and Law. Then was called, at age 23, into the ministry. He received his bachelor of Divinity Degree from Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Doctorate of Divinity from Western Conservative Theological Seminary in Portland, OR, he was ordained in May 1944 and began serving at First Baptist Church in Danville, IL. He served as a Minister and Educator for over 50 years in four more churches throughout five states. In the last 15 years of his ministry he served as pastor of Berean Baptist Church where he started Berean Academy. After securing a Masters Degree in Elementary Education and Administration, he helped organize the first Christian Kindergarten in America, five Christian Elementary and One Christian High School. His passion for the mission fields lead him to serve and help start several missionary boards throughout his life.
Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Shirlee J. Seidler in 1997, and a sister, Marion Thompson, in 2000.
He is survived by his wife, Opal (Wesley) Seidler of Milford, OH; four sons, Stephen R. (and Connie) Seidler of Owatonna, MN, Tim D. Seidler of Golden Valley, MN, Thomas P. (and Kathy) Seidler of Littleton, CO, Daniel A. (and Celeste) Seidler of Hudson, WI; two daughters, Merrilee (and Bill) Hinshaw of Eden Prairie, MN, Rebecca (and Lee) Flack of Edina, MN; 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 until service time on Saturday at the funeral home.
Burial will be in Hamilton Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home. Share your thoughts and memories on line at www.mem.com