BRIAN LEE SEIPEL

A “Come as You Are,” remembrance service of Brian Seipel’s 71 years on earth will be held at 10:00 A.M., October 23, 2021, at First Baptist Church in Douglas, Wyoming with Pastor Zack Andrews officiating.

Brian’s family was able to spend time with him before his earth-suit failed him; Saturday, October 9, 2021 at 4:03 A.M. at the Memorial Hospital of Converse County in Douglas, Wyoming.  Before his passing he had been elk-hunting and shortly after returning home passed away due to Covid complications.    

Brian was born Saturday, July 29, 1950, in Piqua Ohio; he was the son of Norman Ray Seipel and Faye Ellen (Anderson) Seipel, both deceased. His three siblings, Norman Jr. (Judy), Gaye (Mike) Cavender, and Scott (Beth) Seipel, he loved dearly.  Growing up in Piqua, he cherished his days at his grandparent’s farm and the time spent with his cousins.  Later his parents moved to the lake and his love for fishing and the water grew. Brian attended Piqua Catholic High School and Piqua High.  He was a prankster and loved to lighten the mood; although Sister Agatha would put it a little differently.  Brian went on to attend Hobarts Welding School in Troy, Ohio and was still in life training at the time of his death.

Brian came to Wyoming with three buddies looking for work in 1974 after reading in Time magazine that Wyoming had the lowest rate of unemployment in the nation. Upon arriving in Douglas, they had a flat tire, and pulled over on Fourth Street thinking they were going to get yelled at for being in some ones parking spot.  Surprisingly, they received an offer to help fix the tire.  A jack-of-all-trades, Brian worked many jobs and never feared starting a new one.  He had his own welding business, worked for Olhman Heath, H.P.C., and worked on the North Slope for a season; he always rose to the challenge and tried many ventures (some successful, others not so much).  For years he worked at Power Resources Uranium Mine and then settled in with the Union Pacific Railroad until he retired at age 67.  After retirement he did not stop there, he completely remodeled several houses for rentals. He was self-taught and always willing to stop what he was doing and help others or lend them what they needed.

Brian’s love and his life was Wyoming, it was here he learned and loved to bow hunt, walleye fish, fly fish, became an avid racquetball player, and he even tried his hand at team roping for a season.  It was not enough for Brian to do these things himself; he wanted others to learn and enjoy them as well. Brian taught Sunday school and Awanas at Douglas Baptist Church, was a Youth group leader; took many youth to several church camps throughout the years, and drove the church bus on Sunday mornings. Surprisingly he even led the music a time or two. It brought Brian great pleasure to work on Pine Wood Derby cars with his kids, (he loved that dremel tool). He coached softball and taught his kids how to play many sports.  He enjoyed badminton games in the back yard with the grandkids, and who ever showed up. He ran racquetball leagues at the Rec Center for years and at one time had around 70 people of all ages and skill levels playing.  He took a group of teens to several racquetball tournaments and was recognized by the Wyoming Racquetball Association. He used every opportunity to share the Love of Jesus no matter your age or status in life. When asked what he would like people to remember about him, these were his words; “The most important thing about being here (earth) is going there (heaven). I want them to know I will miss them too. Fishing, elk hunting, and racquetball is important, but Jesus is way more important”. He will be missed here on earth; we will meet him again in all God’s glory. Brian was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, and friend. The ripple effects of his love are never-ending.

Brian is survived by his wife, Laurie, of 45 years, his children, Danneil (Scott) Ware , LeJae (Mandi) Seipel, Tirzah (Braidy) Parks all of Douglas; Brian Keith (Cindy) Seipel and Julie Seipel (from a previous marriage); siblings, Norman (Judy) Seipel Jr. and Gaye (Mike) Cavender of Piqua Ohio and Scott (Beth) Seipel of Panacea Florida; grandchildren, Sage, Aleah, Natalie and Keenan Ware, Malena Seipel, Jayden, Coulter, and Jaxon Pollack, Benton and Kallan Parks, and Alex and Ashley Seipel

He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Faye Seipel, and wife’s parents, Lyle and Faun Cole; cousin, Paul Mohr; and is united with his grandson baby, Davis Wayne Parks.  Brian loved babies and was a baby charmer.

A Brian L. Seipel Memorial Fund in care of Converse County Bank, P.O. Box 689, Douglas Wyoming 82633, has been set up in his memory for Ripple Effect Youth International/New Hope Center in Belize (a home for girls rescued from trafficking and abuse) and the Wyoming Rescue Mission in Casper, Wyoming.

Honorary family and friends:  brothers-in-law; nephews; nieces; cousins; and all his hunting, fishing and racquetball buds; railroad co-workers; and all who knew and loved him.

Gorman Funeral Home in Douglas Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Memories are encouraged to be shared on the Tribute Wall at  www.gormanfh.com.