Paul H. Seltz

Paul Herman Seltz, age 92, passed away on the 7th day of April 2014.

He was born on October 28, 1921 in McIntosh, MN to the Rev. Paul J. and Regina Nibbe Seltz.

Paul graduated from Humboldt High School, St. Paul, MN in 1940. He attended the University of Minnesota and St. Paul College of Law.

Paul served in the U.S. Army as a Special Forces Ranger from 1943-1946 and was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in the infantry. His military service included time as an instructor and in the South Pacific theatre, primarily in the Philippine Islands.

In 1947, he married Mildred “Millie” DeHaan in St. Paul, MN. In 1948, they moved to Des Moines, IA. They were blessed with four children: Paul F. "Rusty" (Dee) Seltz of St. Paul. MN, Kathy Lantz of Chesterfield, MO, Karen Seltz of Windsor Heights, IA and Sandy (Tim) McClelland of West Des Moines, IA. They have enjoyed five grandchildren: Justin (Meghan) Lone of Old Saybrook, CT, Sara (Steve) Gresh of Galena, OH, Cole McClelland of Kansas City, MO, Molly McClelland of West Des Moines, IA and Maggie McClelland of West Des Moines, IA. Additionally, they have one great-grandchild, Hudson Paul Gresh.

Paul is survived by three siblings: Rolland (Murt) Seltz of St. Paul, MN, Douglas (Evelyn) Seltz of Mosinee, WI and Mary (John) Hendrickson-Krogman of Cupertino, CA. His sister, Eunice Lawrenz-Smith, and brother, Richard Seltz preceded him into the Kingdom of God.

While a gifted athlete and businessman, Paul retired as President and Board Chairman of National Travelers Life Insurance Company of Des Moines. Paul prided himself on his work on behalf of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, particularly their education and outreach programs.

In the early 60's, Paul was proud to be instrumental in the establishment of a Christian Day School at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Des Moines. At Mt Olive, he also served as congregational president and was a member of the Board of Elders. Paul served for 9 years on the Board of Directors at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN and twelve years on the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod Foundation Board in St. Louis. He most recently served on the "Alive in Christ" committee of the Iowa District West of the LCMS, to raise funds to start new congregations in the district. He established scholarship endowments at Concordia University in St. Paul and at Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN.

Paul had many interests. He enjoyed reading; golf and baseball were his passion and he also enjoyed most other sports. He found great enjoyment in keeping up with his grandchildren, their activities, families and career paths.

Visitation will be Sunday, April 13 from 2-6 PM and Monday, April 14 from 10-10:45 AM at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 8301 Aurora Ave. in Urbandale. The Funeral Service will be Monday at 11 AM at Gloria Dei. A private interment will be held at Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, IA.

Memorials may be sent to The Seltz Family Endowment Fund at Concordia University, 275 Syndicate St. N., St. Paul, MN 55104 or Hospice Care of Central Iowa, 401 Railroad Pl., West Des Moines, IA 50265.

Hamilton's on Westown Parkway is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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