Joseph Mark Seidel

Joseph Mark Seidel left this earth and joined his Savior in Heaven on February 12th, 2026 at the age of 83. Joe was born on March 3rd, 1942 in Worthington, Minnesota to Luverne Appeldorn Seidel and Edward Seidel. Joe grew up in the southwestern parts of Minnesota, and came to know the Lord as his Savior in his teens. 

In the late 1960s Joe moved to Huntsville, Alabama.  In 1969 he married Ruth Elaine Rodgers of Huntsville, Alabama. They were married for 26 years and had two daughters, Amy & Allison. Elaine died in 1995 after a 3 year battle with cancer.  

In 1999 Joe married Sharon (Sheri) Woodruff, of Ohio. They lived 26 years together in Huntsville Alabama. Joe and Sheri were active in their church, Calvary Baptist of Huntsville Alabama. Over the years Joe served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, and helped with mission based projects.  

Joe had an ongoing desire for others to know about Jesus and a heart for missions. He often left tracts and told others in the community about Jesus. In 1974 he made a trip to Russia in an attempt to give financial aid to persecuted Christians. His first mission trip was in 1996 to Poland. His second mission trip was in 2004 to Myanmar with his wife, Sheri. Even now in 2026 the church in Myanmar asked if he could return for ministry.  After he had a stroke in 2004 that damaged his ability to communicate easily, he still would leave tracts and share how good God had been to him. 

For a few years Joe preached on a local radio program on Sunday mornings.  He enjoyed the opportunity to share Jesus with those who were listening.  

Joe enjoyed being an independent entrepreneur in sales. He loved talking with people! For many years he sold life insurance. He also owned his own used car lot. He enjoyed helping others in his community and was very gracious with those who were struggling to pay. 

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Luverne Seidel, siblings Sandra Burt and Gary Seidel, and his first wife, Elaine Seidel. 

Surviving family members include his wife, Sharon Seidel; his daughters, Amy Meroff (Scott) and Allison Mauger (David); grandchildren, Michael, Michelle, Matthew Meroff and Alex, Nathan, and Rachel Mauger. 

Joe’s tender heart, concern for others, and his lifelong sense of humor will certainly be missed. 

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations could be made to a ministry close to his heart, Baptist World Missions of Decatur, Alabama.   

Joe’s Memorial Service will be on Saturday, February 21, 2025 at 11:30am at Calvary Baptist Church – 126 Douglass Rd NW, Huntsville, AL. Visitation hours will be on Saturday from 10:00am-11:30am.  

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