Doug Seils Obituary

Douglas Allen Seils was born prematurely on May 13, 1952, to Loren and Lorraine (Schulze) Seils in Denison, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Soldier Township Church near Ricketts. Doug began his education at the elementary school in Ricketts and graduated with the Class of 1970 from Schleswig High School.

He went on to attend Iowa State University, where he played rugby and graduated early with honors. He had made a deal with his mother that if he graduated ahead of schedule, she would help him financially pursue his pilot’s license, and she kept that promise.

Doug’s sister, Renee, set him up on a blind date with Jac Lynn Treinen, and the two quickly hit it off. Jaci even trusted Doug enough to join him on a plane ride for their first date. The couple was united in marriage on May 19, 1984, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Together, they raised three children: Traci, Timothy, and James. He became a member of Zion Lutheran Church, and it remained an important part of his life.

Doug farmed near Ricketts and was well known for his custom baling services for area farmers. He also spent many years hauling steel to Colorado. Doug was known for his sociable nature and enjoyed chatting with others while out and about. He loved taking his time on the country roads, checking on crops, and appreciating the peaceful scenery, though others often noticed his slow pace if they happened to be driving behind him. Doug was an encouraging and supportive father who made time to be there for his children, whether it was helping them through life’s challenges or taking them skiing at Mount Crescent. Above all, Doug cherished his family. He treasured the time he spent with his children and grandchildren, who brought him great joy throughout his life.

Doug passed away at home on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at the age of 73 years, one month and nine days. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Jac Lynn Seils.

Doug is survived by his three children: Traci Fineran of Des Moines, Timothy Seils (Chasity Cowden) of Des Moines and James (Jamie) Seils of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren: Blake, Seth, Colton, Alexis, Harper, William, Halley, Maya and Riley; great-grandchildren: Kash and Declan; sisters: Renee (Marion) Neddermeyer of Charter Oak, Merry (Duane) Jacoby of Schleswig; sisters-in-law: Michele (Brian) Ertz of Manilla, Myla (Donnie) Dirks of Lake View, Cindy Treinen of Denison and Marcia Treinen of Maquoketa; brother-in-law, Tony Treinen of Mondamin; numerous precious nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation with family greeting friends will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with his funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 30, 2025, at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison. Interment will follow in the Oakland Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Zion Lutheran Schools.