Gary Bengt Seaholm

Gary Bengt Seaholm, 75 of Adel, Iowa passed away following a courageous battle with cancer on March 23, 2024.

Gary was born in Libertyville, Illinois on February 3, 1949, to Carl Bengt and Ethel Mae (Hoppe) Seaholm.

Gary grew up in Grayslake, Illinois where he spent his summers with his friends running around town and playing football.  Gary joined a sister, Carol, and was later joined by his brother, Grant. Gary loved being Grant's older brother and walked Grant to his first day of kindergarten while on his own way to 8th grade.  Gary was extremely proud of Grant; he loved to tell stories about him, especially that he works at Wrigley Field.  Recently, when Grant was in town a friend of Gary’s just “had to meet the man she had heard so much about”.

Gary graduated from Grayslake High School and went on to graduate from Central College in Pella, Iowa.  He was proud to be a three-time all conference football player under coach Ron Schipper.  While at Central, Gary met the love of his life, Sharon Lemon.  Gary gave Sharon a ride to Chicago to see a close friend (with a box of Jaarsma’s baked goods on her lap) and the rest was history.

Gary and Sharon were married June 30, 1973. They welcomed a son, Tim, in 1978, and a daughter, Tammie, in 1980.  Gary and Sharon were very involved in church. Gary loved Jesus and enjoyed talking about all the miracles God performed in his life.

Gary taught for 35 years in several different school districts. He cared about all of the students he taught. He was passionate about building relationships with students and believed school should be a safe place where every student felt valued.  Gary always rooted for the underdog.  He was proud of his many years in the ADM school district.  He cherished running into former students at Patricks and reminiscing.  Gary ended his teaching career at Ruby Van Meter. He was thankful for all the staff and students he worked with there.  Gary had the best stories about being a teacher, and he loved to share them.

One of the biggest joys in Gary's life was his grandchildren.  Nikole, Carter, and Tyler Seaholm and Landon, Natalie Sharon, and Roosevelt Smith.  Gary enjoyed cheering them on during their activities and events. Visits to see “Gampy” were everyone's favorite.

Gary was known for his sarcastic sense of humor and his deadpan expressions.  Gary even got in trouble while in the hospital for joking with a doctor who thought he should be serious about his brain tumor.  Gary thought her reaction was hilarious and had a good laugh after she left.

Left to carry on Gary's sarcastic humor and love for the underdog are his children, Tim (Chrissy) Seaholm of Adel and Tammie (Tim) Smith of Adel; grandchildren, Nikole, Carter, and Tyler Seaholm, and Landon, Natalie Sharon, and Roosevelt Smith; his brother Grant (Karen) Seaholm of Chicago and their children, Scott (Winonah), Nancy (Chris), Emily (Kyle), and Brett (Jimmy), as well as 2 great nephews, Harrison and Remo.  He is also survived by his sister in-law Chris (Steve) Cummings and their son, Matt, and his niece Susan Peterson and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Bengt and Ethel Mae, his sister Carol Kratovil, and his beloved wife Sharon (Lemon) Seaholm.

A visitation for Gary will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home - Adel Chapel. A memorial service will take place at 11:00 am the following day, Thursday March 28, 2024 also at the funeral home. A private burial will be at Oakdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the ADM Scholarship foundation. https://www.admschools.org/district-2/action-center/adm-scholarship-foundation/. Online condolences can be made to the family at caldwellparrish.com