Lonnie LaVar Seidel

Lonnie LaVar Seidel was born on June 5, 1954, in Billings, MT to Raymond and Leah Seidel. He passed away on April 9, 2025, in Bozeman, MT. Lon would like to be remembered as a fisher of men, Matthew 4:19. He also strove to be the best husband, father, and friend to all he met.

Lon grew up on a sugar beet farm in Huntley Project. He joined the Navy after graduation and became a submarine sonarman. After 6 years in the Navy, he did construction, summer pack trips in the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and guided hunters in the fall. He loved the outdoors, riding his motorcycle, kayaking, and fishing. Lon returned to school in 1992 and obtained an associate degree in laser electro-optics from Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID. He went on to work for 15 years in that field in both Idaho and Oregon. After retirement he was finally able to return to Montana. Once settled in Sheridan, he enjoyed volunteering at the Firewood Bank of the Ruby Valley. He loved attending Whitehall Baptist Church and was most fulfilled when serving his brothers and sisters in Christ. He delighted in helping and supporting the youth ofthe church and neighborhood.

Lon was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves his wife Barbara (Funk) Seidel, son, Mark (Jamie) Seidel of Sherwood, OR daughter, Elizabeth (Jake) Pritchard of Bozeman, MT, and two grandchildren, Céleste and Jacob Seidel, and the anticipated arrival of baby Pritchard. A brother, Bob (Elsa) Seidel of Idaho Falls, ID and sister, Vicki (Jesse) Wilson of Columbus, MT plus many nephews and nieces.

The internment will be in the Sheridan Cemetery at 10 AM on May 10, 2025

A Celebration of Life to follow at the Whitehall Baptist Church, Whitehall, MT at 1 PM on May 10, 2025

Memorials may be directed to Whitehall Baptist Church, P.O. Box 498, Whitehall, MT 59759 or The Firewood Bank of the Ruby Valley, P.O. Box 94, Sheridan, MT 59749