Daniel Seastrand

ST. JOSEPH – Daniel Philip Seastrand, 90, a longtime resident of St. Joseph, passed away at his home on Tuesday (June 30, 2015).

Dan was born on Aug. 4, 1924, in Reynolds, Ill. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army Air Forces from 1943 until 1945.

He met his wife, Bettye, during the war while stationed in Kansas City, Mo. They were married in Kansas City on Aug. 24, 1944.

He made his career in agriculture. First, as a farmer in Reynolds and Aledo, Ill., and then as a field manager for the Farm Services Agency. In 1960, he took a position as president of the Federal Land Bank in Champaign. He retired from the Federal Land Bank in 1985.

Dan and Bettye moved to St. Joseph in 1962 where they were active in the community and church. He was a charter member of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph. He, along with Bettye, was named St. Joseph Citizen of the Year in 2007.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence Mary Kistler Seastrand and Carl Joseph Seastrand, his wife Bettye Marie Hunter Seastrand, and a son, Donald Philip Seastrand.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Laura Ann and her husband, Lambros Missitzis, of Chicago.

Memorial contributions may be given to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in St. Joseph or Dan's favorite charity, Aleluya Ministries, 310 O'Hara Drive, Pharr, TX 78577.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 802 E. Douglas St., St. Joseph, with Pastor Seth Jersild officiating. Burial will be in Patterson Cemetery, St. Joseph. Visitation will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church.

Freese Funeral Home, 302 E. Grand Ave., St. Joseph, is in charge of arrangements.