EUGENE SEIBEL

February 10, 1927 — April 15, 2022

Eugene “Gene” Seibel was born in French Camp, California on February 10, 1927 to Charles J. Seibel and Hilda (Young) Seibel. He went to be with the Lord on April 15, 2022, at the age of 95.

Gene attended Elementary and High School in Lodi until 1944, when he joined the Merchant Marines to serve his country, in time of war. He sailed on tanker ships providing fuel and aviation gas to other ships & ports in the South Pacific. His unarmed ships went to Guam, Philippines, Hawaii and through the Panama Canal.

While on leave in the summer of 1945 he was engaged to Velda Stroh and they were married December 30, 1945, at his parents farm in Acampo. Gene returned to sea and received his Honorable Discharge in June 1946.

In 1989, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill recognizing these Merchant Marines as part of the U. S. Coast Guard.

On June 21, 1947, his daughter Carla Seibel was born in Lodi and later on August 30, 1949, Pamela Seibel was born.

During those early years Gene work as a truck driver for the Lodi Nut Co. and a mechanic for Guild Winey. In January 1951, Gene was hired by General Mills and worked there for 39 years. Most of that time he was in the Maintenance Department with a straight day schedule, six days a week.

With his vacation time he and Velda liked to RV to many different states and upon his retirement in September 1989 he and Velda started completing their list to visit all the mainland states & Hawaii. Only with him completing that list with his daughter Carla in 2012, on a cruise to Alaska.

Gene had many hobbies, one was woodworking. He built the families first ski boat, remodel may things in there home. He and Velda were 30 year members of the Lodi Gem & Mineral Club and attended and participated in many Rock & Gem Shows.

Gene is survived by two daughters, Carla Schimke of Lodi, Pamela (Doug) Suess of Modesto; 4 grandsons, Kerwyn (Rebecca) Schimke of Simi Valley, Kasey (Kristy Wiese) Schimke of Sacramento, Jeremy (Bryn) Suess of Tacoma, and Jeffrey (Kristen) Suess of Cincinnati; 7 great grandchildren, Zachary, Caleb, Madeline, Emily & John (Jack) Schimke, Dashiell & Zoey Suess.

Gene is preceded in death by his wife of a few days less that 65 years; his parents, Charles J and Hilda Seibel; one sister, Goldie Bartel; as well as his dear friend Alice Jolley.

Friends are invited to visitation Friday from 11:004:00 at Lodi Funeral Home. Family graveside service will be held Monday April 25th at 12 PM. at Cherokee Memorial Park with a Memorial Service being planned for a later date in May.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Gene Seibel’s name to Vinewood Community Church, 1900 W Vine St., Lodi, CA 95242. A virtual register book may be signed at www.lodifuneralhome.com where memories can be shared. Lodi Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangement.

Please sign the guest book at lodinews.com/ guestbook.