Walter E. Seideman of Oklahoma City died unexpectedly on July 23rd, 2008. He was born January 21st, 1933 to Raymund and Clara Seideman in Newburg, Wisconsin. Walter grew up on the family dairy farm with nine siblings where he helped with farming and developed his strong work ethic. He later served his country as a sergeant in Korea with the U.S. Marine Corps. Walter attended the University of Wisconsin majoring in Food Science. He later earned his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri with a degree in Poultry Science. He married Cathy Carnito in 1958 and they had three children, Russell Seideman, Keith Seidemann and Bonnie Seideman. Walter enjoyed a career with Wilson Foods as Director of Research and Development. Walter and his family moved to Oklahoma City in 1973 when the company transferred their corporate headquarters. Later he founded Oklahoma Food Labs and Food Concentrate Corp. Walter enjoyed developing new products and techniques for cooking and was highly regarded for many products including his smoked sausages and Uncle Walter's Secret Wild Game Seasoning Mix. In 1988 he married Ruth Kramer Young and became stepdad to Stan, Steve and Roger Young. In addition to being a fun Grandpa, Walter enjoyed hunting and fishing at Diamond H Ranch in Eastern Oklahoma where he was also the Number One chef for the annual deer hunt. Ballroom dancing was an activity that Walter and Ruth greatly enjoyed and they never sat out a dance when the band was playing. A consummate do-it-yourselfer, Walter never met a tool he didn't like and could usually be found fixing whatever was broken. An important part of Walter's life was participating in the annual Seidemann family reunion at the homestead in Newburg, Wisconsin. This year marked the 75th anniversary of the reunion for the family which typically has drawn 300-600 family members from across the U.S. and Germany. In addition to his wife Ruth, Walter is survived by children Russ Seideman and wife Miffie of Phoenix, Arizona Keith Seidemann of Oklahoma City, Bonnie Seideman of Dallas, Texas and grandchildren Christina and Travis. He is also survived by many brothers, sisters and other relatives with whom he enjoyed exceedingly close relationships. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 28th at 2 PM at Church of the Servant located at 14343 North MacArthur in Oklahoma City. Memorial donations may be directed to the or the Seidemann Family Reunion.

Published in The Oklahoman on July 26, 2008