Michael Ernest Seymour

6/1/1931 - 9/21/2025

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Obituary For Michael Ernest Seymour

On the early morning of September 21st, our beloved father, grandfather and grandpa great, Michael Ernest Seymour, passed away from heart failure. He spent his last day holding the hands of his children and many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mike was the middle child, born to Anna and Ernest Seymour on June 1, 1931, in Chicago, IL. When he was 8, the Seymour Family moved to Lombard, IL, where Mike met the dearest of friends, Bill, Sam, and Dan, whose friendships lasted a lifetime. Growing up, he enjoyed playing basketball and working as a caddy. After high school, Mike entered the Navy, where he played softball and worked as a first-class yeoman and the ship’s cartoonist. Upon return, he enrolled at the University of Illinois on the GI Bill. During this time, he was set up on a blind date with a young teacher, Eileen Joyce. Our family will be forever grateful to the friends who thought these two would be a match. They settled in Eau Claire’s Third Ward, where Mike worked for over thirty years as a structural engineer, finishing out his career at Seymour Davis Seymour with his brothers. He enjoyed annual fishing trips to Alma, spending time up North with his grandkids, and being anywhere our grandmother was. We will miss playing cards with him, having him in the stands at our games, and sharing the ups and downs of being a Cubs fan. Our grandfather was always making something, whether it was pancakes for a packed dining room of grandchildren, a deck for the back of Lincoln house, or one of his beautiful watercolors. But he would say the best things he ever created were his family and a 65-year marriage with Eileen.

Michael Seymour is survived by, his children, Gail (Mike) Stage, Pete (Denise Olson) Seymour, Sam (Meg) Seymour, Jane (Scott) Kunick, Beth (Steve) Chapin, and Ben (Michelle) Seymour; his grandchildren, Sara (Josh) Bennett, Jenay Barstad, Kaylin (Aaron) Nelson, Kelly (Sam) Eaton, Carter Barstad, Stephanie (Travis) Rogers, Jordan Olson, Jessica (Kaleb) Bright, Thomas Chapin, Tyler (Emily) Seymour, Tessa Stage, Sam Chapin, Emily (Steve) Berger, Mikayla (Tristan) Holtman, Maddie (Chris) Kathka, Meegan Kristo, Emma Seymour, Grace Kristo, Lauren Chapin, Luke Seymour, Will Seymour, Griffin Kristo, and Wyatt Seymour; great grandchildren, Michael Seymour, Scarlett McSorley, Lily Bennett, Oscar Klaus, Jack Eaton, Maebel Nelson, Gigi Bennett, Ramona Eaton, Eleanor Nelson, Hayes Rogers, Andrew Eaton, Arthur Nelson, Posie Holtman, Charlie Seymour, Lennon Rogers, Dorothy Nelson, James Bright, Kolly Rogers and Crew Holtman; his sister-in-law, Phyllis Seymour; and many cherished nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his wife, Eileen; brother, Pete Seymour; brother, Joe; and sister-in-law, Ginny Seymour; and five nephews and two nieces.

The family would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the amazing staff at Caretta and St. Croix Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with a service at 11:30 a.m., both at Smith Funeral Chapel. A celebration will follow at The Plus. Private burial will be held at a later date.

Memorials to Camp Manitou, in Mike’s name, can be sent to Pete Seymour at 3752 Cummings Avenue, Eau Claire, WI 54701. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.smithfuneralec.com.

Services

25 Oct

Visitation

09:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
25 Oct

Memorial Service

11:30 AM

Smith Funeral Chapel 2222 London Rd Eau Claire, WI 54701 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • 10/24/2025

    Christopher Blaire Bundy and Family

    Condolences to all of the Seymour family on the passing of such a funny, caring, and thoughtful man. I have so many memories to share of Mike and growing up at the Seymours, I don't know where to start. I remember what he said to me after I got hit by a car in 4th grade just as vividly as what he said to me on the day of my wedding. Whatever he said was always straight to the point, made me laugh, and left me thinking. I'm so honored to have spent time on road trips - to Alma, to travelling to different sports events, to going to camp. I always felt so welcomed, particularly at Manitou, getting dropped off or picked up like I was just another kid in the family. I'm grateful that I have the memories of both my own childhood and the more recent memories of my family getting to go to camp with the next generation of Seymours. I can't put a price on those cherished memories.

  • 10/20/2025

    Gary Cipriano

    Mike was a treasured friend to my Dad, Sam, and they have passed that on to the next generation. I really admire the lengths they went to stay connected even though they lived hundreds of miles apart most of their adult lives. Amazing memories of weekend trips to Eau Claire in the early 1960's, arriving at midnight and the parents staying up for hours playing cards and enjoying a local brew or two. Summers at Princes Resort with the Seymour's and Archbold's were surreal times that eventually morphed into my own adulthood yet these friendships conti nued. That is rare and priceless and I thank God for the love and loyalty shared among these boyhood friends. Deepest symphathies to all of Mike's family, Gary Cipriano

  • 10/12/2025

    Brian and Lucie LaPlante

    Several years ago, we spent the most enjoyable times with MIKE and Eileen Seymour We will never forget their hospitality and the fun times we had together Sincerely, Brian and Lucie LaPlante

  • 09/30/2025

    Nikki Wendt

    It was an honor to care for Michael at Caretta, his smile would light up a room, we loved when he would sit with us Noc girls at the counter and talk about the Chicago bears and the painting s on his wall and we could also get him to draw for us. . He is definitely missed, what a great Man.

  • 09/29/2025

    Bernie and Karla Hoefgen

    Condolences on the passing of a wonderful and creative man. Mike and Eileen were pillars in the community and their legacy is felt in many parts of the community. We remember the joy in their family and were fortunate to have them as neighbors for many years. The huge pine tree in their backyard can be seen all over the block and symbolized the Seymour family role in the neighborhood and community. Their legacy lives on in the contributions of the next generation. Thank you Mike and Eileen. Bernie and Karla Hoefgen

  • 09/25/2025

    Leslie Olson

    On behalf of the Sime family I would like to share my condolences on Mike's passing. Our families shared a lot of fun times in the past. And I know how important the relationship with his Seymour cousin's was to my dad, Si. Jim and I still use one of our favorite Mike Seymour quotes..."Never trust a guy who wears a belt and suspenders." A life well lived. Thinking of you all. Leslie Olson

  • 09/24/2025

    Cathy (Joyce) Walton

    My sympathy goes out to all of Mike's children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. I am a Joyce cousin, the oldest daughter of Michael "Plow" and Elaine Joyce. I believe I attended Mike and Eileen's wedding. Was it in 1958? I remember meeting up with them several years in a row at Irishfest in Milwaukee to watch one of their granddaughters dance. Those were good times. I am very sorry for your loss. Cathy (Joyce) Walton

  • 09/24/2025

    Connie & Terry Hintz

    We were so sorry dear Mike passed away. We had the pleasure of getting to know him while at Caretta. He was a table mate of my father in law for meals. May he rest in peace and we are sending prayers to all of you🙏 Terry & Connie Hintz

  • 09/23/2025

    Karen McGilvray Heuston

    Beth, Steve, Tommy, Sam and Lauren, I am so sad to hear Dad/Grampa's passing 😢 He was a wonderful talented Man and I'm sure has left a million memories behind for each and everyone of you to cherish forever ❤️ With Love, sympathy and my deepest condolences, "Aunti" Karen (McGilvray) Heuston May Mike now Rest In Peace 🙏

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