Irving "Honey" Lawrence Seelye

Irving “Honey” Lawrence Seelye, age 97, passed away Thursday July 31, 2025, at Sanford Hospital in Bemidji, MN. He was born October 17,1927, in the family residence in Bena, MN to Walter and Emma Seelye. He was the youngest of 7 children.

Irving attended school in Bena, MN until the 8th grade. He married Grace Shoemaker, on Feb 23, 1955. They had three children: Irving Seelye Jr (Kathy), Ricky Seelye, and Lu (Don) Harper.

Irving joined the US Merchant Marines in 1945 and served in World War II. He joined the US Army and served in the Korean War in the early 1950’s. He was honorably discharged and went back to his hometown Bena, MN. He became a member of the Cass Lake American Legion post in 1957 and was a part of the Leech Lake Honor Guard for 20+ years. He worked for the Corps of Engineers as a flood control operator at both Winnie and Federal Dam. After retiring from the Corps of Engineers in the late 1980’s he worked at Bug O Nay Gee Shig school as a custodial maintenance employee until retiring in the mid-1990’s. In June 2010 Irv and Kathy purchased S&S Bottle Shop and Irv was very active in keeping products going into the coolers and moving product on the floor. He was a very good employee.

A devoted catholic man, avid hunter, and a good horseman having learned the trade from his father and later down to his sons. He had a lifelong appreciation of nature and outdoors, while his greatest joy was spending time with his family.

Irving was fortunate enough to live his elder life the way he wanted: Feeding the birds, enjoying the sun and visiting with family where he always greeted them with a hug and a kiss. His day-to-day upkeep and medical needs were always fulfilled by his daughter, Lu, who kept him healthy and clean. His daughter-in-law, Kathy, was his favorite cook who kept him well fed and happy. He enjoyed his daily rides with Irv. And always wanted to go towards the reservation where they hunted and fished together since Irv was in grade school.

Irving is survived by Irving Jr. (Kathy) and Lu (Don) Harper. All his grandchildren: Angela (Shawn) Peck, Earl (Ronda) Seelye, Wade (Tara) Seelye, Naomi (Ross) Pietruszewski, Kathy (Dale) Gullickson, Lulu Seelye, Jodie (Nick) Schimek. Sarah (Len) Watson. Travis (Julie) Harper, Donny (Rikki) Harper, Scott (Ali) Harper, Luke (Cierra) Harper. There are 25 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by parents Walter and Emma Seelye, wife Grace Seelye, son Ricky Seelye and siblings: Irene and Mickey (sisters) and Walter, Earl, Gene and Jack (brothers).

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