My thoughts and prayers to all of you! Uncle Jack was a special uncle! I have very fond memories of him and your mother Aunt Betty. Hugs to you all!
John "Jack" R. Seelhammer
December 7, 1931 – September 23, 2026
John Robert “Jack” Seelhammer, 94, passed away peacefully on September 23, 2026, in Brainerd, Minnesota.
A funeral Mass celebrating John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Brainerd. Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass, followed by a gathering in the church hall with food, photos, and memories to share. Private interment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.
John was born on December 7, 1931, in Cogswell, North Dakota, to Jacob “Jake” and Mary Lillian (Flesch) Seelhammer. He grew up helping in his family’s restaurant and general store, where he developed the strong work ethic and values that guided him throughout his life.
John served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954 before attending North Dakota State University, where he earned an engineering degree. He enjoyed a long career as an industrial engineer, beginning with Boeing and later working for St. Cloud Hospital, Malco Tools, and the Minnesota Veterans Home.
John married Betty Jane Brausen in August 1956 in Pierz, Minnesota. Together they shared 70 years of marriage and raised six children. John was active in the Lions Club, Toastmasters, Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and other community organizations. He also taught engineering at St. Cloud State University.
John was known for his kindness, curiosity, patience, and optimism. A talented builder and problem-solver, he was always fixing, creating, or improving something. His son Mark and friends affectionately nicknamed him “ROJ,” meaning “Right On John,” a fitting tribute to his careful, thoughtful nature and his “measure twice, cut once” approach to life. His family will remember his practical wisdom, playful spirit, and willingness to help others.
John is survived by his wife, Betty; children, Cynthia (Tom Marcinko) Seelhammer, Denise Seelhammer Ausderau, Joan (Dave) Becker, Renee (Derrick) Taylor, Mark (Luz González) Seelhammer, and Lisa (Bill) Smith; 11 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Ralph and Wayne Seelhammer; and sisters Mary Jane Cady and Darlene Howbert.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Save the Children, the National Wildlife Federation, or the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.
John’s family encourages those who knew him to carry his joy and optimism in their hearts and continue his example of making their communities better.
Guestbook
Ich habe John zwar nur zweimal persönlich getroffen, aber ich erinnere mich bis heute sehr gerne an diese Begegnungen.
Besonders ist mir die Zeit in Minnesota im Gedächtnis geblieben. Ich weiß noch, wie wir zusammen Rollerblades gekauft haben und damit unterwegs waren. Eigentlich eine ganz einfache Erinnerung, aber genau solche Momente bleiben einem oft besonders lange.
John hat sich außerdem sehr für die Geschichte unserer Familie interessiert und die Ahnenforschung mit viel Engagement vorangetrieben. Auch dadurch ist eine besondere Verbindung entstanden, für die ich sehr dankbar bin.
Ich habe John als einen warmen und freundlichen Menschen erlebt. Er war offen und herzlich, hat viel gelacht und hatte gleichzeitig auch etwas Ruhiges, Nachdenkliches und Zurückhaltendes an sich. Ich habe mich bei ihm sofort wohl und willkommen gefühlt.
Wenn ich heute an John denke, dann sehe ich vor allem sein Lachen vor mir und erinnere mich an seine freundliche Art, an Minnesota und an sein großes Interesse daran, die Geschichte unserer Familie lebendig zu halten.
Ich bin froh und dankbar, dass ich John kennenlernen durfte. Diese Erinnerungen an ihn werde ich in meinem Herzen behalten.
Mein herzliches Mitgefühl gilt seiner Familie und allen, die ihn vermissen.
Translation:
Message: I only met John twice in person, but I still remember these encounters very fondly. I still remember how we bought rollerblades together and were on the road with them. Actually a very simple memory, but it is precisely such moments that often stay with you for a particularly long time. John was also very interested in the history of our family and drove genealogy forward with a lot of commitment. This also created a special connection for which I am very grateful. I experienced John as a warm and friendly person. He was open and cordial, laughed a lot and at the same time had something calm, thoughtful and reserved about him. I immediately felt comfortable and welcome with him. When I think of John today, I see above all his laughter in front of me and remember his friendly manner, in Minnesota and his great interest in keeping the history of our family alive. I am happy and grateful that I was able to get to know John. I will keep these memories of him in my heart. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to his family and all those who miss him.
Services
Schedule Details
A funeral Mass celebrating John’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 2, 2026, at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Brainerd.
Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m. prior to Mass, followed by a gathering in the church hall with food, photos, and memories to share.
Private interment will be held at a later date at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.