Albert John Seimet, Sr.

Albert John Seimet, age 78, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026 at 8:03 pm in the exceptional care of St. Rita’s Mercy Hospital in Lima, Ohio. After a long battle with various illnesses, it was finally time to see if the fishing is better on the other side. 

Al or “Butch” as his siblings and parents called him, was a man of few words. Born on February 18, 1947 in Defiance, Ohio he was the first son of Sylvester "Bud" And Alma (Kunesh) Seimet. He was a dedicated husband, doting father, loving son, devoted brother, a hard worker, and generous soul. Those who did not know him well were intimidated by his stature and outward appearance, but once they got to know him, they realized he was a gentle giant with a heart of gold who made all who knew him feel welcomed. His talents included his ability to fix just about anything and everything, numbers and mathematics, woodworking, leather working, archery in his younger years, and he played a mean game of chess. He loved to go fishing and was often found at Oxbow Lake, the fireman’s pond in Ayersville, or Independence Dam with his son and/or grandsons patiently waiting for a fish to bite or captaining his pontoon boat down the three Rivers in Defiance until the maintenance became more work than the relaxation was worth. He spent a good deal of time outdoors admiring nature. He could be found enjoying evenings at home watching westerns, sci-fi movies, scrolling on Facebook, or loving on a cat, a dog or his birds Jake and Popeye. He loved spending time with his family and sitting in nature. In 1965, 

Albert joined the United States Air Force where he was stationed in the Philippines. After being injured on duty, he was retired by the Air Force in 1971. The organizations Albert was involved with included DAV, VVA, Amvets, American Legion, and he was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church. Al’s greatest victory wasn’t on a chessboard; it was at the Little Italian Restaurant. He spent an impressive amount of time asking a certain waitress named Kathryn Hanenkrath for a date. After a series of strategic "no’s," Kathryn finally realized Al wasn't going anywhere. They were married on June 5, 1970, beginning a 55-year marathon of love, patience, and shared adventures. Together they moved to Phoenix, Arizona where Albert studied Mathematics earning a Bachelor degree from Arizona State University in 1976. Life brought them back to Defiance, Ohio in 1976 and Al began working at The Employment Office on East Second Street where he helped many people find jobs and later he worked as a compliance officer for the state of Ohio until he retired in 2005. 

Albert and Kathryn were blessed with three children: Joan (Todd) Walldorf of Toledo, Ohio, Cassandra Seimet of Toledo, Ohio, and Albert J. (Rosemarie) Seimet Jr. of Defiance, Ohio. There was only one thing he loved more than being a dad and that was earning the title of grandfather to his 6 grandchildren: Mason (24), Caleb (19), Isabella (16), Silas (14), Jakob (28) and Hayden (24). He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter named Oaklynn. He is proceeded in death by his father, Sylvester "Bud" Seimet, his mother, Alma (Kunesh) Seimet, sister, Carol Seimet, and his grandparents. Albert has two surviving brothers, Paul (Terry) Seimet of Defiance and Neil Seimet of Ney, Ohio.

Al will be making his final appearance at Schaffer Funeral Home on Jefferson St. in Defiance, Ohio on Friday, January 16 with visitation from 2-8 pm. The Funeral Mass will be at St. John’s Catholic Church in Defiance on Saturday, January 17th at 11:00 am and he will be laid to rest at the Ayersville Cemetery.  

Albert loved helping others. Memorials can be given in his honor to St. Jude’s, St. John Catholic Church, or a charity of your choice. He would have appreciated the math working out in favor of a good cause. 

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