John Russell (“Russ”) Seitz passed away at the age of 99 on July 15, 2024, in Laurinburg, North Carolina, where he was a resident of Scotia Village, a continuing care retirement community.
Born in Racine, Wisconsin (May 31, 1925), he was the son of John Louis Seitz and Rosaline (Iselin) Seitz. He attended St. Catherine’s High School where he played varsity football, working as a lifeguard in the summers.
Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, trained at Camp Mackall, and volunteered for the U.S. Glider Troops, Engineer Group, a part of the Army Airborne program. During a leave from training at Camp Mackall, he met Edith Smith of Rockingham, and they were married in 1946 at St. James Catholic Church in Hamlet.
After the war, Mr. and Mrs. Seitz settled in Racine, Wisconsin, where they were members of St. Joseph’s Catholic Parish and “Russ” Seitz operated Stoffel’s Floor Covering and Drapery Shop. Following the death of his wife, Edith, in 2002, and his retirement from business, Mr. Seitz returned to Rockingham, where he became an active member of St. James Parish in Hamlet.
Mr. Seitz was also preceded in death by his brother, Kenneth; his sisters, Bernice and Elaine; and his daughter, Barbara (Guillermo) Seitz nee Martinez.
He is survived by his son, Paul (Christine) Seitz; grandsons, Nathaniel and Solomon Briggs; many nieces and nephews, and loving friends, including all the residents and staff of the Scotia Village community.
Visitation will be Friday, July 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. and will be followed by a funeral mass at noon at St. James Catholic Church in Hamlet, North Carolina.
Burial will be at a later date at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Scotland Regional Hospice, 610 Lauchwood Drive, Laurinburg, NC 28352.
Online memorials can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Hamlet is assisting the Seitz family.
