HELENA - Nelson "Jack" Seeley, died September 21, 2023. He lived a full and vibrant 102 years. Born in Chalk Butte, SD on June 4, 1921 to Vera and Frank, the family soon moved to Baker, MT where siblings, Robert, Gwendolyn and Harold were added. His father was killed in a factory accident when Nelson was six. His mother married Rex Bruce and two siblings, Susie and Gordon, joined the family.
He loved Baker, spending hours running the hills with his brothers and friend Harvey Nichols. A child of the Great Depression, he started work at age 12 for the Mehlhaffs, who owned the town bakery. He started with deliveries and later advanced to baking. Often called out of school to work, the principal said it was better to miss school than for the town to go without bread. This job allowed him to support his family in lean times.
He graduated from Baker High in 1938 and took a train to Chicago, IL. He began night school at Wright Community College and met "a very attractive slick chick", Eve Tabar.
In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, training as a Piper Cub pilot. On July 3, days before reporting for duty, they were married. Relatives and friends donated meat and sugar rations to celebrate. Eyesight mustered him out of the pilot program and sent him to Iwo Jima and Saipan. He received three Overseas Service Bars, a Bronze Battle Star and World War II Victory Medal. A highlight of his life was being honored as a Hero of WWII on a 2021 Dream Flight. He was thrilled to sit behind the cockpit of a Stearman 75 biplane flying over the Gallatin Valley.
Returning to Chicago, he went to night school at Loyola University while working for the IRS as a criminal investigator, earning an Accounting degree, his CPA and later, a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. Over his career, he was admitted to the bar in Illinois, Arizona and Montana.
He and Eve had two children, Linda and Rex. They began a lifelong passion of real estate, turning their home into apartments, sharing the main floor bathroom with another family.
In 1958 he was promoted to the IRS Chief of Intelligence, moved to Helena and given the exciting task of raiding slot machines and pinch boards on the highline. Chosen for the IRS Executive Development program, he was then promoted to Assistant District Director, moving to Arizona, and then offered State Directorship of Montana in 1966, returning his family to Helena and retiring in 1974.
While in Helena, he and Eve purchased numerous properties including the Park Avenue and Blackstone Apartments. In 1971, they added the Iron Front Hotel and began the arduous process of restoring every room. He painted the 4th floor ballroom ceiling lying on his back on scaffolding, working diligently to receive the Historic Registry designation for this amazing building.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed league bowling, fly fishing, hunting, poker and golf. He loved Green Meadow Country Club and his great club friends. He was the oldest and longest serving member, playing league until he was 98. He'd spend hours looking for lost golf balls and zipping around in his golf cart decked out with a set of Longhorns until one broke off making it a uni-horn. He treasured his time teaching grandchildren, Rhett and Tara, and their children.
He celebrated each birthday until he was 100 shooting a ball for each year of his age. At 101 he started again at 1 but at 102, he said 2 felt too good, so he hit 17 more. He spent so much time using the Green Meadow fitness room that it is named in his honor.
A great believer in giving back, he spent countless hours giving time and money to the community. He was a proud Lion, Elk, and Elder of the Presbyterian church. He worked to fund the first MRI at St Peter's Hospital. He co-founded the Chamber of Commerce's Red Coats hospitality program and was the first director of the United Way campaign. He worked for the Red Cross and served on their committee to choose their national director. He spent his 100th birthday inspecting the construction work on the Seeley Building on Last Chance Gulch. He was extremely generous to his family, siblings and friends.
He believed in the power of education, creating many scholarships at Baker and Jefferson High schools, as well as Carroll College. An avid Saints basketball fan he sat in his same seat for each home game. He was so grateful for his dear friend, Jerry Loendorf and just a week ago was talking about the upcoming season.
He and Eve began traveling the world with the Montana Friendship Force in the 1970's, later accompanying daughter Linda on her student tours around the world.
In 1970's he developed a passion for Western Art, especially that of friend Robert Morgan and sculptor, Bob Wilfong. His greatest moment as a collector came when he was asked to serve as jurist for the Russell Art Auction.
His sharp intellect never dulled, as he enjoyed trading stocks and fiercely debating with friends until his final days. Nothing brought him more joy than praising the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His high expectations were hard to meet but celebrated with extreme joy and pride. He was a force of nature, and our lives are better for him having been in it.
He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Vera; stepfather, Rex; brothers: Robert, Harold, and sisters: Gwen and Susie.
He is survived by better half of 80 years, wife, Eve; daughter, Linda; son, Rex (Judge Kathy) Seeley; grandchildren: Rhett (Kim) Buckland, Tara (Peter) Buckland-Johnson, Nick (Samie) Seeley and Dr. Ann (Zack) MacQuarrie. He knew and loved his seven great-grandchildren: Tanner, Makayla and Khloe Buckland; Jack, Seeley and Scarlett Johnson; and Miles Seeley.
The family is indebted to the staff at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital who took such good care of Nelson for the last 30 years, as well as life-long friends Ray Kuntz, John Peros, Danny and MaryAnn Fiehrer, Jerry Loendorf, and Christine Christensen, who helped make his last years at home possible.
Private family services will be held at Fort Harrison Cemetery.
A public celebration of life will be held Oct. 10 at Green Meadow Country Club from 12-3pm. Memorials may be made to Carroll College.
Published by The Independent Record, Helena, MT on Saturday, September 30, 2023
(Thanks to Find A Grave member JVV, #46986773, for the plot number.)
He loved Baker, spending hours running the hills with his brothers and friend Harvey Nichols. A child of the Great Depression, he started work at age 12 for the Mehlhaffs, who owned the town bakery. He started with deliveries and later advanced to baking. Often called out of school to work, the principal said it was better to miss school than for the town to go without bread. This job allowed him to support his family in lean times.
He graduated from Baker High in 1938 and took a train to Chicago, IL. He began night school at Wright Community College and met "a very attractive slick chick", Eve Tabar.
In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, training as a Piper Cub pilot. On July 3, days before reporting for duty, they were married. Relatives and friends donated meat and sugar rations to celebrate. Eyesight mustered him out of the pilot program and sent him to Iwo Jima and Saipan. He received three Overseas Service Bars, a Bronze Battle Star and World War II Victory Medal. A highlight of his life was being honored as a Hero of WWII on a 2021 Dream Flight. He was thrilled to sit behind the cockpit of a Stearman 75 biplane flying over the Gallatin Valley.
Returning to Chicago, he went to night school at Loyola University while working for the IRS as a criminal investigator, earning an Accounting degree, his CPA and later, a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. Over his career, he was admitted to the bar in Illinois, Arizona and Montana.
He and Eve had two children, Linda and Rex. They began a lifelong passion of real estate, turning their home into apartments, sharing the main floor bathroom with another family.
In 1958 he was promoted to the IRS Chief of Intelligence, moved to Helena and given the exciting task of raiding slot machines and pinch boards on the highline. Chosen for the IRS Executive Development program, he was then promoted to Assistant District Director, moving to Arizona, and then offered State Directorship of Montana in 1966, returning his family to Helena and retiring in 1974.
While in Helena, he and Eve purchased numerous properties including the Park Avenue and Blackstone Apartments. In 1971, they added the Iron Front Hotel and began the arduous process of restoring every room. He painted the 4th floor ballroom ceiling lying on his back on scaffolding, working diligently to receive the Historic Registry designation for this amazing building.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed league bowling, fly fishing, hunting, poker and golf. He loved Green Meadow Country Club and his great club friends. He was the oldest and longest serving member, playing league until he was 98. He'd spend hours looking for lost golf balls and zipping around in his golf cart decked out with a set of Longhorns until one broke off making it a uni-horn. He treasured his time teaching grandchildren, Rhett and Tara, and their children.
He celebrated each birthday until he was 100 shooting a ball for each year of his age. At 101 he started again at 1 but at 102, he said 2 felt too good, so he hit 17 more. He spent so much time using the Green Meadow fitness room that it is named in his honor.
A great believer in giving back, he spent countless hours giving time and money to the community. He was a proud Lion, Elk, and Elder of the Presbyterian church. He worked to fund the first MRI at St Peter's Hospital. He co-founded the Chamber of Commerce's Red Coats hospitality program and was the first director of the United Way campaign. He worked for the Red Cross and served on their committee to choose their national director. He spent his 100th birthday inspecting the construction work on the Seeley Building on Last Chance Gulch. He was extremely generous to his family, siblings and friends.
He believed in the power of education, creating many scholarships at Baker and Jefferson High schools, as well as Carroll College. An avid Saints basketball fan he sat in his same seat for each home game. He was so grateful for his dear friend, Jerry Loendorf and just a week ago was talking about the upcoming season.
He and Eve began traveling the world with the Montana Friendship Force in the 1970's, later accompanying daughter Linda on her student tours around the world.
In 1970's he developed a passion for Western Art, especially that of friend Robert Morgan and sculptor, Bob Wilfong. His greatest moment as a collector came when he was asked to serve as jurist for the Russell Art Auction.
His sharp intellect never dulled, as he enjoyed trading stocks and fiercely debating with friends until his final days. Nothing brought him more joy than praising the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His high expectations were hard to meet but celebrated with extreme joy and pride. He was a force of nature, and our lives are better for him having been in it.
He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Vera; stepfather, Rex; brothers: Robert, Harold, and sisters: Gwen and Susie.
He is survived by better half of 80 years, wife, Eve; daughter, Linda; son, Rex (Judge Kathy) Seeley; grandchildren: Rhett (Kim) Buckland, Tara (Peter) Buckland-Johnson, Nick (Samie) Seeley and Dr. Ann (Zack) MacQuarrie. He knew and loved his seven great-grandchildren: Tanner, Makayla and Khloe Buckland; Jack, Seeley and Scarlett Johnson; and Miles Seeley.
The family is indebted to the staff at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital who took such good care of Nelson for the last 30 years, as well as life-long friends Ray Kuntz, John Peros, Danny and MaryAnn Fiehrer, Jerry Loendorf, and Christine Christensen, who helped make his last years at home possible.
Private family services will be held at Fort Harrison Cemetery.
A public celebration of life will be held Oct. 10 at Green Meadow Country Club from 12-3pm. Memorials may be made to Carroll College.
Published by The Independent Record, Helena, MT on Saturday, September 30, 2023
(Thanks to Find A Grave member JVV, #46986773, for the plot number.)
HELENA - Nelson "Jack" Seeley, died September 21, 2023. He lived a full and vibrant 102 years. Born in Chalk Butte, SD on June 4, 1921 to Vera and Frank, the family soon moved to Baker, MT where siblings, Robert, Gwendolyn and Harold were added. His father was killed in a factory accident when Nelson was six. His mother married Rex Bruce and two siblings, Susie and Gordon, joined the family.
He loved Baker, spending hours running the hills with his brothers and friend Harvey Nichols. A child of the Great Depression, he started work at age 12 for the Mehlhaffs, who owned the town bakery. He started with deliveries and later advanced to baking. Often called out of school to work, the principal said it was better to miss school than for the town to go without bread. This job allowed him to support his family in lean times.
He graduated from Baker High in 1938 and took a train to Chicago, IL. He began night school at Wright Community College and met "a very attractive slick chick", Eve Tabar.
In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, training as a Piper Cub pilot. On July 3, days before reporting for duty, they were married. Relatives and friends donated meat and sugar rations to celebrate. Eyesight mustered him out of the pilot program and sent him to Iwo Jima and Saipan. He received three Overseas Service Bars, a Bronze Battle Star and World War II Victory Medal. A highlight of his life was being honored as a Hero of WWII on a 2021 Dream Flight. He was thrilled to sit behind the cockpit of a Stearman 75 biplane flying over the Gallatin Valley.
Returning to Chicago, he went to night school at Loyola University while working for the IRS as a criminal investigator, earning an Accounting degree, his CPA and later, a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. Over his career, he was admitted to the bar in Illinois, Arizona and Montana.
He and Eve had two children, Linda and Rex. They began a lifelong passion of real estate, turning their home into apartments, sharing the main floor bathroom with another family.
In 1958 he was promoted to the IRS Chief of Intelligence, moved to Helena and given the exciting task of raiding slot machines and pinch boards on the highline. Chosen for the IRS Executive Development program, he was then promoted to Assistant District Director, moving to Arizona, and then offered State Directorship of Montana in 1966, returning his family to Helena and retiring in 1974.
While in Helena, he and Eve purchased numerous properties including the Park Avenue and Blackstone Apartments. In 1971, they added the Iron Front Hotel and began the arduous process of restoring every room. He painted the 4th floor ballroom ceiling lying on his back on scaffolding, working diligently to receive the Historic Registry designation for this amazing building.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed league bowling, fly fishing, hunting, poker and golf. He loved Green Meadow Country Club and his great club friends. He was the oldest and longest serving member, playing league until he was 98. He'd spend hours looking for lost golf balls and zipping around in his golf cart decked out with a set of Longhorns until one broke off making it a uni-horn. He treasured his time teaching grandchildren, Rhett and Tara, and their children.
He celebrated each birthday until he was 100 shooting a ball for each year of his age. At 101 he started again at 1 but at 102, he said 2 felt too good, so he hit 17 more. He spent so much time using the Green Meadow fitness room that it is named in his honor.
A great believer in giving back, he spent countless hours giving time and money to the community. He was a proud Lion, Elk, and Elder of the Presbyterian church. He worked to fund the first MRI at St Peter's Hospital. He co-founded the Chamber of Commerce's Red Coats hospitality program and was the first director of the United Way campaign. He worked for the Red Cross and served on their committee to choose their national director. He spent his 100th birthday inspecting the construction work on the Seeley Building on Last Chance Gulch. He was extremely generous to his family, siblings and friends.
He believed in the power of education, creating many scholarships at Baker and Jefferson High schools, as well as Carroll College. An avid Saints basketball fan he sat in his same seat for each home game. He was so grateful for his dear friend, Jerry Loendorf and just a week ago was talking about the upcoming season.
He and Eve began traveling the world with the Montana Friendship Force in the 1970's, later accompanying daughter Linda on her student tours around the world.
In 1970's he developed a passion for Western Art, especially that of friend Robert Morgan and sculptor, Bob Wilfong. His greatest moment as a collector came when he was asked to serve as jurist for the Russell Art Auction.
His sharp intellect never dulled, as he enjoyed trading stocks and fiercely debating with friends until his final days. Nothing brought him more joy than praising the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His high expectations were hard to meet but celebrated with extreme joy and pride. He was a force of nature, and our lives are better for him having been in it.
He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Vera; stepfather, Rex; brothers: Robert, Harold, and sisters: Gwen and Susie.
He is survived by better half of 80 years, wife, Eve; daughter, Linda; son, Rex (Judge Kathy) Seeley; grandchildren: Rhett (Kim) Buckland, Tara (Peter) Buckland-Johnson, Nick (Samie) Seeley and Dr. Ann (Zack) MacQuarrie. He knew and loved his seven great-grandchildren: Tanner, Makayla and Khloe Buckland; Jack, Seeley and Scarlett Johnson; and Miles Seeley.
The family is indebted to the staff at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital who took such good care of Nelson for the last 30 years, as well as life-long friends Ray Kuntz, John Peros, Danny and MaryAnn Fiehrer, Jerry Loendorf, and Christine Christensen, who helped make his last years at home possible.
Private family services will be held at Fort Harrison Cemetery.
A public celebration of life will be held Oct. 10 at Green Meadow Country Club from 12-3pm. Memorials may be made to Carroll College.
Published by The Independent Record, Helena, MT on Saturday, September 30, 2023
(Thanks to Find A Grave member JVV, #46986773, for the plot number.)
He loved Baker, spending hours running the hills with his brothers and friend Harvey Nichols. A child of the Great Depression, he started work at age 12 for the Mehlhaffs, who owned the town bakery. He started with deliveries and later advanced to baking. Often called out of school to work, the principal said it was better to miss school than for the town to go without bread. This job allowed him to support his family in lean times.
He graduated from Baker High in 1938 and took a train to Chicago, IL. He began night school at Wright Community College and met "a very attractive slick chick", Eve Tabar.
In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps, training as a Piper Cub pilot. On July 3, days before reporting for duty, they were married. Relatives and friends donated meat and sugar rations to celebrate. Eyesight mustered him out of the pilot program and sent him to Iwo Jima and Saipan. He received three Overseas Service Bars, a Bronze Battle Star and World War II Victory Medal. A highlight of his life was being honored as a Hero of WWII on a 2021 Dream Flight. He was thrilled to sit behind the cockpit of a Stearman 75 biplane flying over the Gallatin Valley.
Returning to Chicago, he went to night school at Loyola University while working for the IRS as a criminal investigator, earning an Accounting degree, his CPA and later, a Juris Doctor degree from DePaul University. Over his career, he was admitted to the bar in Illinois, Arizona and Montana.
He and Eve had two children, Linda and Rex. They began a lifelong passion of real estate, turning their home into apartments, sharing the main floor bathroom with another family.
In 1958 he was promoted to the IRS Chief of Intelligence, moved to Helena and given the exciting task of raiding slot machines and pinch boards on the highline. Chosen for the IRS Executive Development program, he was then promoted to Assistant District Director, moving to Arizona, and then offered State Directorship of Montana in 1966, returning his family to Helena and retiring in 1974.
While in Helena, he and Eve purchased numerous properties including the Park Avenue and Blackstone Apartments. In 1971, they added the Iron Front Hotel and began the arduous process of restoring every room. He painted the 4th floor ballroom ceiling lying on his back on scaffolding, working diligently to receive the Historic Registry designation for this amazing building.
He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed league bowling, fly fishing, hunting, poker and golf. He loved Green Meadow Country Club and his great club friends. He was the oldest and longest serving member, playing league until he was 98. He'd spend hours looking for lost golf balls and zipping around in his golf cart decked out with a set of Longhorns until one broke off making it a uni-horn. He treasured his time teaching grandchildren, Rhett and Tara, and their children.
He celebrated each birthday until he was 100 shooting a ball for each year of his age. At 101 he started again at 1 but at 102, he said 2 felt too good, so he hit 17 more. He spent so much time using the Green Meadow fitness room that it is named in his honor.
A great believer in giving back, he spent countless hours giving time and money to the community. He was a proud Lion, Elk, and Elder of the Presbyterian church. He worked to fund the first MRI at St Peter's Hospital. He co-founded the Chamber of Commerce's Red Coats hospitality program and was the first director of the United Way campaign. He worked for the Red Cross and served on their committee to choose their national director. He spent his 100th birthday inspecting the construction work on the Seeley Building on Last Chance Gulch. He was extremely generous to his family, siblings and friends.
He believed in the power of education, creating many scholarships at Baker and Jefferson High schools, as well as Carroll College. An avid Saints basketball fan he sat in his same seat for each home game. He was so grateful for his dear friend, Jerry Loendorf and just a week ago was talking about the upcoming season.
He and Eve began traveling the world with the Montana Friendship Force in the 1970's, later accompanying daughter Linda on her student tours around the world.
In 1970's he developed a passion for Western Art, especially that of friend Robert Morgan and sculptor, Bob Wilfong. His greatest moment as a collector came when he was asked to serve as jurist for the Russell Art Auction.
His sharp intellect never dulled, as he enjoyed trading stocks and fiercely debating with friends until his final days. Nothing brought him more joy than praising the successes of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His high expectations were hard to meet but celebrated with extreme joy and pride. He was a force of nature, and our lives are better for him having been in it.
He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Vera; stepfather, Rex; brothers: Robert, Harold, and sisters: Gwen and Susie.
He is survived by better half of 80 years, wife, Eve; daughter, Linda; son, Rex (Judge Kathy) Seeley; grandchildren: Rhett (Kim) Buckland, Tara (Peter) Buckland-Johnson, Nick (Samie) Seeley and Dr. Ann (Zack) MacQuarrie. He knew and loved his seven great-grandchildren: Tanner, Makayla and Khloe Buckland; Jack, Seeley and Scarlett Johnson; and Miles Seeley.
The family is indebted to the staff at Fort Harrison Veterans Hospital who took such good care of Nelson for the last 30 years, as well as life-long friends Ray Kuntz, John Peros, Danny and MaryAnn Fiehrer, Jerry Loendorf, and Christine Christensen, who helped make his last years at home possible.
Private family services will be held at Fort Harrison Cemetery.
A public celebration of life will be held Oct. 10 at Green Meadow Country Club from 12-3pm. Memorials may be made to Carroll College.
Published by The Independent Record, Helena, MT on Saturday, September 30, 2023
(Thanks to Find A Grave member JVV, #46986773, for the plot number.)
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
