1937-2018
Theo Michael Seikel Jr., 81, of Edmond, Oklahoma died December 8, 2018 surrounded by family in his home, ending his long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Mike was born January 26, 1937 to Theo and Rubye (Anthis) Seikel in Okemah, Oklahoma and spent his childhood in El Reno, Oklahoma. He married Rosalie Determan on December 28, 1958 and was devoted to her for the rest of his life. A proud Sooner, Mike graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a B.A. in Business, earned a second B.A. in Religious Studies from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Oklahoma. He served three years in the Marine Corps followed by FBI training in Quantico, Virginia. Mike was a dedicated FBI special agent for 21 years. After retiring from the FBI, Mike set up the Medicaid Fraud Unit for the Oklahoma State Attorney General, taught criminal justice classes at the college level, spoke professionally to various organizations, provided security for guest ranches in Montana and Arizona and finally landed his “dream job” as a flight attendant for American Airlines.
Mike, Rosie and their five children lived in multiple states due to his job postings. Mike especially loved outdoor adventures and led the family to national parks, mountains and lakes for camping, backpacking, boating or any new experience. Having seen the marvels of the west coast, the family eventually returned to Mike’s home state to be near family and eventually retire. Mike was a devoted and active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, Oklahoma. He and Rosie lived their faith by welcoming dozens of children and adults into their lives as extended family members, whether in their home or in their hearts.
Mike is survived by his wife Rosalie Seikel and their five children: Kathleen and her husband Jeff Goetz of Tacoma, WA and their daughter Hannah; Suzanne and her husband Kevin Pitts of Wenatchee, WA and their children Riley, Madison, Samantha and Ballad; Karin Michelle and her husband Jodie McDaniel of Edmond, OK, their children Malissa, Tara, Sara, Liza and Emma and grandchildren Connor and Margaret; Michael Andrew and his wife Maureen Seikel of Lake Bluff, IL and their children Zachary, Colin and Michaela; Paul Joseph and his wife Giulia Seikel of Tulsa, OK and their children Daniella, Thomas and Elijah.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ronald Gail Seikel, and his grandson Noah Joseph Seikel.
Services will include a wake at 7pm Friday December 14 and a Funeral Mass at 10am Saturday December 15. Both services will take place at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 900 South Littler Avenue, Edmond, OK. Burial will follow the funeral at Grace Lawn Cemetery, 1407 N Boulevard, Edmond, OK. A funeral dinner will be served by church volunteers in the great hall after the interment.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church: Peru mission. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Good Shepherd Hospice and to Mike’s caregivers for the extraordinary care of Mike and Rosie during his illness.
Rosie, we are sorry to learn of Mike’ Passing. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. We know this must be extremely difficult for you especially in this season. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with you as you commemorate Mike’s life. Our lives were deeply touched by knowing Mike and you. God bless ya’ll.