Kevin Mark Seeling

WINONAKevin Mark Seeling was a vigorous man and a natural athlete. Outdoor activities played a big role in his life, and the camaraderie of sports made for lasting friendships. He was close to his family and their love for one another was evident in the amount of time they spent with each other. Childhood values and traditions shaped Kevin into the big-hearted, fun-loving adult that his family and friends love and cherish. Kevin Mark was born in Winona at the beginning of the turbulent 1960s, which marked the beginning of U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War and continued the civil rights movement for equal treatment under the law for all Americans. The iconic yellow smiley face was gaining popularity, and indeed Carroll and Barbara (Jandt) Seeling were happy to welcome their first child on May 10, 1961. Eleven months later, Carmen was born, and Kevin took advantage of being the older brother. He both teased her and protected her. Growing up, Kevin was full of energy for play and sometimes mischief. Family joked that Kevin was bratty and Carmen was a smarty, but that only made them close and ready for fun. When the family gathered at Farmer's Park and adults cautioned children to stay out of the water, inevitably the kids were wet from head to toe within minutes. At Christmastime, they looked forward to going to their maternal grandparents' home, because the kids always received a treat--a brown paper bag containing an apple, orange, peanuts and gumdrops. That simple but delightful tradition has continued to the next generation. One of Kevin's favorite pastimes was driving around with his family. Loading up a van full of people with everyone bringing a snack to share, they made an outing of viewing Christmas lights or going to a park for a picnic or to pick nuts. Always, the car was full of chatting, laughter and singing. Kevin's fondness for driving had come with his first car--a red Chevy Nova. His dad had said it was "cop bait," but Kevin only had one speeding ticket. Perhaps something of his mother's driving rubbed off on him. Kevin maintained that since she always drove slowly, he "didn't know a car could go over 30 mph." Since graduating from Winona Senior High School in 1979, Kevin worked at various bars, servicing pool tables and cigarette machines. More recently, he operated a 3D press at Ashley Furniture in Arcadia, Wisconsin. Interestingly, his favorite part of the job was the ride to and from work. He always took a different route along back roads and was sure to spot deer along the way, which was a highlight for any hunter. Kevin was an outdoorsman and a sports person. He liked to hunt and fish and took to any sport with a ball. At one point in his life, he was playing softball every day of the week in various leagues, including co-ed teams. He was skilled enough to play every position--though he stayed away from shortstop--and pitching was his favorite. He also coached in a women's league and served as an umpire. He was just getting into bean bags, but pool, darts and 501 games could be played any season. In fact, Kevin was good enough in darts to take first place several times. Kevin was formerly married to Kristine Anderson, and they raised her nephew David Anderson, who was like a son to Kevin. In all his relationships, Kevin was soft-hearted and generous, and he most wanted to be remembered as a giver, not a taker. When he was diagnosed with cancer in October 2013 and went into hospice for two weeks in January 2015, Kevin was thinking of others. He expressed his feelings in his own words: "If you were a friend of mine, you had an impact on my life." To his loved ones, he left this message: "Today is about sharing good things-no tears. I lived my life the way I wanted to and am happy with that. Today, I am at peace. Please share a fun story about me with my family and friends." Pallbearers will be Robert Durnen, Danielle Durnen, Jason Durnen, Carter Durnen, Gavin Durnen, and David Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Kowalewski, Craig Hummer, and all his friends from playing darts and softball.Memorial service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2015 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview led by Pastor Mark Beerman. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. Friends are invited to a reception at the Winona Eagle's Club following the service at the funeral home. Burial will take place at a later date in Fountain City Public Cemetery.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/559190