John Charles Seyer

John Charles Seyer (AKA “Coach”)

75, of Indianapolis, passed away Thanksgiving night, November 28, 2019.  He was born in Houston, TX to Christie Fritz and Helen Seyer on January 28, 1944.  John was a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and worked in building material sales his whole career.  Post retirement, he spent several years volunteering at St. Vincents Hospital to help people in need.  John was one of a kind.  He was a big man with an even bigger heart.  Everyone who had the great fortune of meeting him walked away feeling better.  He never had a negative word to say about anyone.  He taught his children to respect others and live a life of empathy, humility and maybe just as important, have a good sense of humor.  When Fran and John’s 2 sons, Brian and Mike, grew up and started a family within a couple years of each other, they decided to go into the “family business” of sales, ironically both in the building materials industry.  John gave them some very good advice that would help create harmony at home and work:  “Never whistle while you pack, never be too tired when you get home”

He loved his family, the Colts, fishing, his many dogs and tinkering around his beautiful home and property.  He was a mentor and role model to literally dozens of his son’s friends.  In fact, they often heard that they ‘hit the dad lottery’, which was absolutely true. John, along with his best friends Jeff and Kenny, started a fishing camp in Watersmeet Michigan that has brought friends together from all over the country each and every year, for the past 40 years. John was good at that.  Bringing people together and cultivating life long friendships.  In John’s view, the line that separates friends and family is not a bold one, it is definitely a grey area.

He is survived by his wife of 53 ½ years, Fran; son, Mike (Shannon) Seyer; daughter-in-law, Kelly Seyer; grandchildren, Claire, Jack, Kate, Samuel and Nathan Seyer; brother, Chris (Pat) Seyer; niece, Shannon Needham; and nephew, Scott Seyer.  John was preceded in death by his parents; and son, Brian Seyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s favorite charity.