Obit of Beatrice M SEITZ Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives August 13, 1998 by Connie Nelson < csnelson@ticon.net > ======================================================== USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The contributor has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ======================================================== Surnames: SEITZ, WEST, McMINN, STESSL, HAASE, LIBESCH Seitz, Beatrice JANESVILLE/WALWORTH CO.--Mrs. Beatrice M. Seitz, age 85, formerly of 214 W. Van Buren St., Janesville, passed away early Fri., July 18, 1997, at Serena's Skilled Care & Retirement Center, Tibbetts Township, Walworth County, Wi. She was born July 1, 1912, in LaGrange Twp, rural Walworth Co., the eldest child of the late John and Pauline (Gislerud) West. She attended school in LaGrange Center, and was a graduate of Palmyra High School, Class of 1933, and was a Co-Salutatorian of her class, an honor she shared with her sister. During the Depression years, she worked at a variety of jobs, including waitressing, as a telephone operator, and doing general housework for other families. On September 26, 1936, she married Murle R. Seitz in Pewaukee, Wi. They then lived in Milwaukee, Green Bay, Pittsburg, Kansas, and Coffeyville, Kansas, before coming back to LaGrange, and finally settling in Janesville. In Green Bay they began caring for foster children, and over the years cared for over 35 children. Mrs. Seitz was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School, served as President of the Women's Society, was a lay delegate to the Annual Conference for several years, and also wrote a history of Asbury United Methodist church in Janesville. She was a Past Matron for the Rob Morris Chapter #10, Palmyra, worked on the LaGrange Election Board, served as a juror in Walworth County Courts twice and served on several church boards in Green Bay, LaGrange and Janesville. She became interested in genealogy and helped organize the Rock County Genealogical Society. She was a co-coordinator for the Wisconsin State Old Cemetery Society in Rock and Walworth counties and was a director for the Wisconsin State Genealogical Society for several years. She became interested in her family history around 1960, and did research all over the United States. She traveled extensively in search of information for herself and others. She had 3 books published: "West Barker Hodges, NY to Wisconsin, 1836-1846", "From Norway to the USA", and "A Scotch-Irish Connection and a German Stowaway". She was a very avid traveler, having visited 48 of the 50 states of our country. Mrs. Seitz is survived by her husband, Murle R. Seitz; their 2 children, Karen McMinn of Waterford, Wi., and Peter (Sheila) Seitz of Edgerton, Wi.; a foster child, Patricia Stessl; 10 grandchildren; 12 gr-grandchildren; a sister, Eunice Haase of Fond du Lac, Wi.; and a brother, Lester A. West of LaGrange, Wi. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Winnefred Libesch; and a brother, J. Laurence West. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Private interment will be in Round Prairie Cemetery, LaGrange Twp, Walworth county. Memorials in her name may be made to Asbury United Methodist Church. The WHITCOMB FUNERAL HOME, Janesville, is assisting her family with the arrangements.