Darrell Gene Seering

Darrell Gene Seering, a man who knew how to live life with a tune and a smile, passed away at his home in Evart, MI, on August 28, 2024, at the age of 75. He was born in Michigan City, IN, to Eugene and Pauline (Johnson) Seering. Raised on a farm in Rolling Prairie, IN, Darrell made a lifelong habit of turning life's challenges into opportunities for laughter and joy.

From a young age, Darrell excelled at basketball, baseball, track, and cross country, but he also dabbled in tap dancing and musical performance. With an impressive repertoire that included the organ, banjo, trombone, and an undeniable passion for singing, Darrell proved that if you couldn’t find him on the field, you might just catch him on stage. He was also a member of his high school debate team. If you ever found yourself in a heated discussion with him, now you know why!

The Seering family’s move to a picturesque home on the Looking Glass River in Grand Ledge, MI when Darrell was a teenager was marred by the tragic loss of his mother. His father, Eugene, later found love again with Lois Rodgers, and the family continued to find solace at their riverfront haven. Darrell found deep contentment in the presence of water, whether it was the gentle lapping of lake waves or the peaceful flow of a river. Living near the water was a constant in his life, reflecting his connection to its soothing beauty.

Darrell graduated from Grand Ledge High School in 1967 and his academic journey took him from Lansing Community College to Michigan State University, where he met members of a barbershop quartet, forever bonding over their shared love of harmonies. His education culminated in a BA in Social Sciences from Madonna University. 

His heart led him to Christine Merrill. Their love story began with a square dance in 1970 and danced its way to marriage in 1972. Darrell and Christine's journey together saw them move to Hamburg, MI, where their family grew with the addition of their children, Marc, Kimberley, and Matthew. 

Darrell worked as a chief bookkeeper at Meijer to support Christine through nursing school. He later transitioned to a career as a trooper with the Michigan State Police. He retired from the Michigan State Police in 1993 after over 20 years of service and continued to work for the family business, from which he recently retired. 

As a father, Darrell was unwavering in his support, attending every sporting event with a fervor that sometimes led to his enthusiastic removal from the stands. He was the high school soccer announcer for Pinckney High School, a Cub Scout and Boy Scout Scoutmaster in Hamburg, and even managed to ride the 300-mile DALMAC bike ride with his family members multiple times. 

An accomplished wood carver, Darrell spent many years perfecting his craft. His skillful creations were a source of pride and joy for both family and friends, reflecting his meticulous attention to detail and creative spirit. If you needed him, you might find him whittling in his woodshop, whistling on his tractor, or winding through the open roads on his motorcycle with Christine, always embracing the next adventure.

A community and church man, Darrell served as the president of Kiwanis, mowed the church acreage, sang in the church choir, and kept neighborhood roads in top shape. 

Darrell's faith, deepened by an Emmaus retreat after his retirement from the police force, became a cornerstone of his life. He found great joy in his men’s Bible study at Arise UMC, where his spiritual growth was evident. In his final year, he pursued a closer walk with Christ with an intensity that matched his zest for life.

Darrell’s legacy is one of laughter, dedication to his family, and an unwavering spirit. He will be remembered for his incredible faith, his vibrant personality, and the way he made every moment count.

Darrell is survived by his beloved wife, Christine; their children Marc (Danielle) Seering, Kimberley (Michael) Hildebrand, and Matthew (Elizabeth) Seering, and their grandchildren, Adison, Callan, and Emerson Hildebrand, and Emily and Scarlett Seering, sister; Mona Seering (Tyler, Dane, Mariah, Hunter, Autumn, Austin). In addition to his immediate family, a community of friends and extended family will miss his infectious enthusiasm and joy.

A celebration of life service will be held at Shalom Lutheran Church in Pinckney, MI on Saturday, September 7th, at 11 am. Visitation will precede the service from 9 am to 10:45 am at the church. 

Contributions in Darrell's memory may be made to the Kiwanis of Michigan Memorial Fund (https://kiwanisgiving.org/index.php/memorial-contribution) or the Michigan Crossroads Council of the Boy Scouts of America honoring “Darrell Seering, Troop 395” (https://michiganscouting.org/support-scouting/memorials/).